Have you ever noticed a difference in your children’s behavior after being outside? We, humans, are meant to be active outside! A great way to get you and your children outside is gardening. Not only is gardening a great way to bond with your kids but our bodies and brains do better connecting when in the presence of sunshine, fresh air, and a cool breeze. In addition, it can also introduce new healthy eating habits! For more, check out our blog on healthy eating habits.
http://www.behavedbrain.com/the-truth-about-fats/
Our brain develops through movement and intention, so children learn more about science, the earth, and nutrients as they are taking part in gardening. Also, they are participating in the making and cultivating of food, so they are more likely to eat the fruits and vegetables they have grown themselves. Personally, my son used to throw tomatoes on the floor. But when we grew them together from the garden, he started eating them non-stop. Now, they have become a staple in his diet! Check out this informative article about gardening and the brain.
If you have a child who appears to be sensory overstimulated or struggles to occupy themselves when you are outside, gardening can be a great way to structure their time and give them something to do. Work on making a list about what they need to do, engage them in researching seeds and ways to prevent pests, hatch some ladybugs or caterpillars and enjoy the time with your child.
Gardening can be a great way to build confidence and teach resilience in children. Watching our work product come to life and troubleshooting what doesn’t grow can do wonders to their self-confidence and minds.
If you’re tight on space, you can make your garden in containers to take part in the learning even if you don’t have a proper backyard garden. Try growing beans, tomatoes, or strawberry plants in containers, which are easy to grow. Encourage your children to water the plants, add soil, and plant the seeds or seedlings. You may be surprised at how excited kids can get around watching their vegetables grow! Check out this great online resource for organic seeds.
https://www.seedsavers.org/department/herb-seeds
Seedlings are an easy way to get started, and you can make a fun day out of picking out the seedlings. Locally, we have a farm that provides excellent service and seedlings called Abma’s, but any nursery will carry seedlings this time of year. Encourage your children to do the research and chose what they would like to grow. When kids are in control, they are more motivated and interested in taking part in the activity.
Two excellent books to read to your kids about gardening are The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krause and To Be Like the Sun by Susan Marie Swanson. Get your kids some of their own gardening tools, and let them explore in the garden and plant themselves. Let this be a place for them to have their own control and connect with nature.
Here are some of our favorite gardening items for kids: