Gardening for kids is easy to do when kids are growing up. It all starts with the environment around them and what they see their parents doing. Some parents do not seem to realize that they should be doing some gardening for kids as well.
Most kids to do lists are usually on the list because of their allowance, video games and cheap mass candy. These things are okay in moderation, but it is up to parents to support balance in their lives. One of the best benefits of gardening for kids is an opportunity to get them moving and get some exercise. Even if these things may be fine in moderation, they are still a great way to burn off some excess energy they receive while sitting still at home. And the good thing about gardening kids grow up with the plants and animals they see at the garden center every week. Even if you only grow veggies, they will learn to identify certain plants and look for them on a weekly basis.
Parents also have a small part in this. If their kids know their parents are doing it, then they probably will, too. If you want your child to grow up healthy and enjoy gardening, then it is up to you to make it a fun and exciting activity and get them involved in it.
Kids tend to learn from simple tasks like getting their hands dirty and digging in the dirt. If you make it a fun and educational experience, you can give your kids some tips on how to do things differently. For example, instead of throwing dirt around in a large bowl, you might want to try to dig a hole in the ground, lay down a mat and cover with plastic and then get the kids to dig around it. This could be a lot of fun, especially if there is some animals or wild creatures that come around. That would make the whole activity more interesting and interactive. You can also create a maze or even a maze where there are multiple paths and try to teach them how to move from one path to another. Once you start to let your kids do the work, the children will actually feel that they are responsible for their own garden and the fruits of their labor.
Many times kids will be excited to start a garden and the only thing holding them back is their shyness. If you encourage their curiosity and help them get comfortable with the idea, then you will see more confidence in them. and your gardening for kids will take on a whole new meaning. You will notice they will be looking forward to getting out of the house and getting their hands dirty. They will feel that it is an activity that makes them feel good and they will feel proud when they finish the job. And if they get into the habit of gardening, they will want to keep at it all the time. Your child will be able to express their creativity in more productive ways than just throwing dirt on the ground!
When your kids are getting into the habit of gardening, you need to encourage them to work together. Have them get together and divide up the chores. If they are all working at once, then you need to make sure you are always available and ready to pick them up and help when they want to go on a walk or play some indoor play.