The care of the household garden is often taken care of by adults, but children should also be involved in it. Planting and nurturing plants is not just a hobby; it involves mental and physical activity. Moreover, engaging in gardening can bring about significant changes in behavior and thinking. Therefore, children should be included in the household garden. If gardening habits are instilled in children from a young age, it will increase their environmental awareness and connect them with nature and this is what we want.
Inculcate Interest For Planting
Whenever you are gardening, keep your children with you so that they also develop an interest. Encourage them to lend a hand and participate in the gardening process. Avoid putting pressure on children; let them do what they enjoy. Encouraging their involvement in gardening can foster a sense of responsibility and appreciation for nature.
Fill Them With Gardening Knowledge
Explain to children what fertilizer is, how it works, how seeds are planted, how water is given to plants, and all other related information. Start by demonstrating to them how to mix fertilizer into the soil, how to water the plants, etc. Then, practice together with them. This hands-on approach will help children understand the basics of gardening and develop practical skills for taking care of plants. Encourage their curiosity and involvement in the process, as it will enhance their learning experience and foster a deeper connection with nature.
Instill Gardening Habits Through Play
Parents and children can each plant a seed in their respective pots. Everyone should take care of their seed and compete to see whose seed grows into a plant faster. This will increase children’s interest. However, before doing this, make sure to teach them how to take care of the seeds properly. This playful activity not only teaches children about gardening but also fosters a sense of responsibility and healthy competition among them.
Delegate The Responsibility of Gardening
Assign children the responsibility of taking care of plants. Encourage them to choose one or two plants of their liking and entrust them with the task of caring for those plants. When they select their plant, their interest will increase, and they will feel a sense of joy. Praise them when they water the plants themselves. This not only teaches children about responsibility but also boosts their confidence and sense of achievement. Moreover, it fosters a deeper connection between children and nature.
How is Gardening Beneficial For Kids?
Gardening is a multifunctional process that positively impacts all behavioral qualities of a person. It teaches how to build something, how to solve the hurdles while building, and many other positive human qualities that are required in the future. Let us read what qualities gardening builds in a person (kid).
1. Dedication
Working with the soil, preparing it for plant growth, sowing seeds, loosening soil in pots or beds, etc., requires a lot of patience. When a child develops an interest in gardening, they will gradually understand the importance of patience in every season and situation. This patience will not only help them in gardening but also in various aspects of their lives. Moreover, teaching them patience in gardening fosters a sense of responsibility and discipline, which are valuable life skills.
2. Cooperation
Planting a garden isn’t just about seeking support from nature; it also requires working together with others. Children learn to work alongside adults in the household. Tasks like fetching water in small buckets, using a small trowel, and spreading soil around plants—these are all tasks that children aged 6 to 10 can easily accomplish. This collaborative effort not only teaches children valuable skills but also instills a sense of teamwork and cooperation from a young age.
3. Finding Solutions
In the realm of plants and gardening, difficulties often arise due to soil conditions, weather, and diseases. Instead of giving up in the face of these challenges, children can be taught the value of seeking solutions through gardening. This approach teaches children resilience and problem-solving skills, empowering them to overcome obstacles rather than succumb to them. Through gardening, children learn to adapt to changing circumstances and find creative solutions to problems, fostering a growth mindset and a sense of achievement.
4. Taking responsibility
Developing this trait in children can be greatly facilitated through gardening. By taking full responsibility for tasks such as watering plants, removing yellow leaves, and identifying and treating pests or insects, children can quickly learn to take on responsibilities. Additionally, guiding children to communicate with adults about issues such as pests or diseases and seeking remedies can further enhance their sense of responsibility and independence. Through these tasks, children not only learn valuable gardening skills but also develop important life skills that will serve them well in the future.
5. Concern
The quality of caring is closely linked with the trait of concern. Through gardening, children learn to care for plants by paying attention to whether the plant is healthy, if the soil and water are adequate, and by showing concern for the plant’s well-being, especially during times of disease or distress. Teaching children to care for and nurture plants through gardening helps them develop empathy and compassion, which are essential aspects of their personal growth and character development.
6. Nutritious Diet
The enthusiasm for growing and incorporating organic food into meals is prevalent not only among adults but also among children. There can be no better way to teach children the importance of fresh vegetables than to encourage them to grow and consume them straight from the garden. This hands-on experience not only educates children about the nutritional value of fresh produce but also instills in them a sense of pride and accomplishment in cultivating their food. Moreover, involving children in gardening activities promotes a healthy lifestyle and fosters a deeper connection with nature.
7. Gratitude Towards Nature
Nature bestows upon us countless blessings, the awareness of which may not always be apparent in childhood. Through gardening, this sense of gratitude towards nature can be nurtured and developed in children. Engaging children in gardening activities allows them to witness firsthand the wonders of nature’s generosity and instills in them a deep appreciation for the environment. By cultivating plants and observing their growth, children learn to value and respect the natural world around them. This gratitude towards nature not only enriches their lives but also fosters a sense of responsibility toward preserving and protecting the environment for future generations.