From Screen Time to Green Time.  How Gardening Can Unplug Your Kids

Are your kids glued to their screens all day? Do you want them to experience the joys of nature and the great outdoors? Well, look no further than your backyard! Getting your kids in the garden is a fun and educational activity that can benefit them in numerous ways. Here are some tips for parents to get started on their gardening journey with their little ones:

1. Make it a sensory experience: Kids love to touch and feel things, so include plants with different textures in your garden. Plant some fuzzy lamb’s ear, prickly cacti, or velvety moss. You could also add some fragrant herbs like lavender or mint for a delicious aroma.
2. Let them take ownership: Give your kids their little plot of land to tend to. They can choose what to plant and help with the watering and weeding. This will give them a sense of responsibility and accomplishment when they see their plants grow.
3. Get creative with decorations: Kids love to use their imaginations, so let them decorate their garden area with their creations. They could paint some rocks as markers for their plants, make scarecrows to keep birds away, or even build a little fairy garden.

Now that you have some ideas to get started let’s dive into the benefits of gardening for kids.

First off, gardening is an excellent way for kids to learn about science and the natural world. They can observe the life cycle of plants, learn about photosynthesis, and even study the different types of insects that visit the garden.

Gardening can improve mental health and well-being. Being outdoors and working with their hands can be a calming and therapeutic activity for children. Plus, seeing the fruits of their labor (literally!) can boost their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.

Finally, gardening can encourage healthy eating habits. When kids grow their fruits and vegetables, they are more likely to try and enjoy them. It’s a great way to introduce new nutritious foods into their diet.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab some gardening gloves and get your kids in the garden! It’s a fun and rewarding activity that the whole family can enjoy. And who knows, maybe you’ll inspire your little ones to become the next great botanist or farmer.

Getting kids in the garden is a fantastic way to get them outside and learn about the natural world. By making it a sensory experience, letting them take ownership, and getting creative with decorations, you can make gardening fun and engage for your kids. And with the numerous benefits of gardening, from science education to improved mental health to healthy eating habits, it’s something that every family should try. So get out there and start digging!