One of the best things you can do for your child is to cultivate a love for the earth in him or her during their formative years. A garden is the perfect way to do this. Not only can it be a great help to you, but it will be a lifelong learning experience that can follow them into their own adult years. Read some tips here on how to get the youngest members of your family into the garden with you in a productive way.
The first and best thing you can do when introducing young children into the garden environment is to make it fun for them. Do not delegate it as a chore, but as a privilege. Make it something that is anticipated with joy, but also as a responsibility that they can derive satisfaction from. Seeing the results of their labors in a way that contributes to the household can create a great sense of pride in even the youngest ones.
Gauge your childrens tolerance level for the chores involved in gardening, and do not push them to provide results immediately. Give them small jobs at first, making sure to show delight in the process as well as the outcome. Show them photographs of what the eventual outcome is, and talk with them openly about the steps involved and the amount of time it will take to see results. Give a timeline that they can relate to, such as after you get back from vacation, or before school starts back again.
Get everyone involved, including toddlers, teenagers and spouses. Even the most reluctant ones will want to get involved when they see that it is a group effort that they will all benefit from. As flowers bloom or vegetables ripen, bring them inside and let family members help with floral arrangements or recipes from edible components of the garden.
Make sure that your kids are properly protected from the elements and are wearing appropriate clothing. This includes shoes that are enclosed, insect repellent and protective gloves. Provide tools that make it easier to extract weeds or dig holes for planting. Provide sun hats for protection from the sun. Give everyone a break, with water and refreshments every half an hour or so.
Let children choose the plants, flowers and vegetable that they particularly like. Visit websites and help them become familiar with what grows in your environment. Allow them to pick extra bright and flowery plants, if this gives them excitement about the process.
Encourage your kids to pick plants that grow quickly, as well as ones that take time and special care. This will teach them about nature and naturally evolving cycles. Space things out so that there will be a constant flow of blooming flowers and ripened vegetables and fruits.
Use the ideas here to develop the hidden nature lover within your children. Fresh air and a love for the environment is a much more precious gift than the latest video game or electronic device.
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