Fun Freetime: 3 Ways to Involve Your Child in Gardening

 

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3 Ways to Involve Your Child in Gardening

Gardening is an engaging yet relaxing hobby for people of all ages, and it’s also associated with a number of health benefits. Children who garden from an early age may be more likely to succeed in science and less likely to experience anxiety and other mental health challenges.

In this article, we’ll take a look at a few of the easiest ways to introduce your child to gardening. Along with keeping both of you healthy, gardening also provides an excellent bonding opportunity. Make sure to check out the top cordless lawn mowers if you want to invest in new gardening equipment.

Try a Workshop

New gardeners can learn a lot from the experts, and workshops are a great way to connect with other gardeners. Workshops cover a wide range of topics such as composting or choosing the right plants for your garden.

Some cities offer workshops for kids and families, giving your child a chance to interact with other kids who are interested in gardening. You’ll be able to transfer your new skills to your home garden and watch it grow together.

Give Them More Control

Many parents ask if their children want to “help” in the garden, but most kids are more likely to respond to the opportunity to oversee their own space. If you have a large enough plot, consider setting aside a section for your child to manage on their own.

Of course, this isn’t to say that you can’t offer or ask for help—just that their role shouldn’t be limited to supporting you. Give them the opportunity to succeed on their own by investing in a set of high-quality gardening tools or even a robotic lawn mower.

Don’t Impose

Balancing freedom with oversight is always complicated, but forcing your child to garden tends to backfire. Look for another indoor or outdoor activity rather than requiring them to do something they’re no longer interested in. Giving them space will also make them more likely to return to gardening later on.

On the other hand, your child should understand that gardening is a commitment—not to you as a parent, but to the garden itself. They should be prepared to follow through on that commitment by maintaining whatever they plant throughout the year.

COVID-19-related quarantines have put a variety of social activities on hold, and gardening is an easy way to stay mentally and physically active while also social distancing. These tips will help you spend more time with your child while cultivating their interest in gardening.