Gardening and Children
I have added some children to my family of late.
My wife and I are foster parents, and we have seven children right now in our home.
It is a blessing to us, in so many ways, and we enjoy being able to help them in many ways.
One of the things I enjoy teaching not only my own children, but the various foster children we have in our house is the values of gardening.
Many gardeners I have spoken with over the years tell me that their love for the garden began as a child.
Some had parents who introduced gardening to them, some learned it from grandparents, even others had teachers who brought gardening into the lives.
Teaching children to garden is also teaching them about life, in general.
There is a beginning, a middle, and an end to gardening. Simply sowing a seed allows a child to see how nature works, as well as how to nurture and care for a living being, as the child is introduced to the circle of life.
Along with this, gardening teaches a child the art of patience, as well as the importance of time.
When you introduce a child to gardening, or if you garden alongside children who have already been digging in the dirt for awhile, allow the child to pick out his or her own seeds, as this will provide a sense of ownership and pride to the child. Allow the child, when appropriate, to decide where to plant the seeds, too.
Children love water. Watch them around a pool or a sprinkler. Give a child a squirt gun or water balloon, and you have given the child a small slice of Heaven.
Wet children often equal fun children. Therefore, teach the child to water the seeds and plants. A child will perk right up when a wilted plant perks up from watering.
My children all have had their own watering cans, and they would spend endless hours watering anything in sight. This past weekend, my youngest daughter picked daffodils, covered them in dirt, and then watered the dickens out of them.
Besides a watering can, garden gloves are wonderful gifts for small children. They will feel just like mom and dad, who also have their garden gloves on.
Small rakes, spades, shovels, and other gardening tools are also wonderful additions to the lives of small gardeners.
Finally, a pair of rubber garden boots make fantastic gifts for children. Not only will they wear them when the garden with you, but on a rainy day, they will be right out there, wearing them, as they splash in puddles, and make mud pies.
Finally, there are plenty of children’s books about gardening. Pick one up at the store, or check one out at the local library.
When you teach children about gardening, you provide them a gift that will last an entire life. Enjoy!