Gardening can be one of the most relaxing, enjoyable, and therapeutic things you can do with your time, but trying to get it done when you also have little ones to worry about can be something of a challenge, putting it lightly! However, there’s one great way that you can make the gardening a little bit easier while keeping your kids occupied and entertained: get them involved! Not only does that allow you to keep a close eye on them while you’re taking care of the garden but you may well be able to awaken a passion for gardening in them as well! Here are a few ways to get your kids involved in the gardening in a way that they’ll actually enjoy.
Make them feel responsible
One thing that a lot of kids really can’t stand it’s being bossed around and not getting to actually take responsibility for the things that they’re doing. Because of that, one of the best things that you can do is to help your kids feel as though they’re in control of what happens in the garden. Let them choose the things that they want to plant and allow them to do decide where they should go. That way, instead of feeling bossed around, they get to feel as though they have some sense of ownership over the things that they’re doing.
Let them enjoy the fruits of their labor
For kids, the act of planting and taking care of seeds might not be the most exciting thing in the world. However, there isn’t a child on earth who sees a sprout poking out of the ground after planting something and doesn’t feel a sense of excitement or satisfaction. So why not go one step further and grow something that they can really enjoy. There are few ways to produce something that you and your kids can enjoy than to grow your own fruit. That way they not only get to feel a sense of pride over what they’re eating but it’s often a great way to get kids to enjoy eating fruits and vegetables that they might otherwise turn their noses up at.
Don’t be afraid to let them get dirty!
Most kids are used to be being told to avoid getting dirty at all costs. So why not let them embrace that and get a down and dirty in the soil while you’re gardening. Put them in some old clothes and let them enjoy being grubby for a while. After all, it’s just dirt, it’ll wash off, and there are few things most kids love more than being able to stick their hands right into the mud!
Of course, there’s always a chance that your kids aren’t interested in the gardening at all! If that’s the case, then there’s nothing with asking your partner to take them off your hands for a while so that you can focus on getting down into the soil for a few hours without distraction.
Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post.