Bonding with Children in the Garden during our Alaskan summers
Technology often kidnaps our kid’s attention. Many of us find ourselves in a battle with phones, televisions, tablets, and gaming consoles. Tech has taken over our lives in so many ways. In many homes, gone are the days of kids playing outside in tree forts, sprinklers, and riding bikes down to the neighbors. We may find ourselves yearning for a way to distract them from their devices and get them some much needed vitamin D. To many kids gardening feels like a chore or work, so it can be a struggle to get them excited to join you. What’s the secret to get them out of the house and get the children in the garden?
Tell them it’s playing in the dirt!
Some kids no matter how hard we try just do not want to stay clean. Use that to your advantage! You can show them that gardening is a way to play in the dirt and get their hands dirty. Sprinkler or garden hose afterward might be a great idea!
Use their love of tech to teach them about gardening
There are some great nature shows and educational children’s shows that can be utilized to explain the process of gardening. They can learn how plants grow and be more excited to see the process firsthand. The internet is also a great research tool. They can learn more about gardening methods and find what they like the best. Exploring the world of gardening virtually will be a great way to create excitement for the real thing.
Turn it into a competition
Children love games and everyone loves to win! Divide your garden into sections and assign each family member part of it. Set a time limit and see who has the best-looking garden by the end of it. May the best family member win!
Host a creative think tank
Children love to feel heard and understood, don’t we all? They are full of crazy cool ideas and have creative inspiration that many of us have forgotten. Ask your children for their ideas about how to create the best garden and provide help creating solutions for any issues that might arise. The ideas may sometimes be far-fetched, but don’t immediately discount them. Trying out the concepts will help children work through successes and failures.
Commend their efforts
Don’t let fear of failure hold them back. Sometimes stepping outside our comfort zone is scary and we’re afraid we won’t do a good job. Commend them for trying something new and offer advice and assistance along the way. You can help remind them to water, and figure out why something didn’t work out, and celebrate successes all together.
Give them ownership
Having something that is ours, and that we create gives us a sense of purpose. Children love to create and build something of their very own. Assign part of the garden to each family member and let them choose what they would like to plant, and how they will plan it out.
Share the wealth
The end results are satisfying, especially if you grew your own pizza toppings! Seeing and tasting your hard work is beyond compare. Sharing part of what you grow with friends and loved ones brings happiness to everyone involved.
Children will try new things given the right motivation. Our Alaskan summers are perfect for spending long days with children in the garden. We’d love to hear what you like to do in the garden with your family.
