Gardening For Kids - Start Them Off Early

People hardly have time for nature due to the hecticemotional development of the child. The children can
life styles today. There is no time or inclination to paylearn the importance of the elements of nature that is
attention to the environmental problems caused due toair, water, sunlight and soil and how they are linked to
abuse of nature by humans. A good way to beginthe human necessities of food water and shelter.
environmental education is by involving children andSimple gardening jobs like weeding can be used to
making them aware of nature and teaching them toeducate the children on the philosophy of life to weed
respect it. One such environment friendly activity isout bad influences.
gardening. Kids love the outdoors and involving them inRelaxation:
gardening activities can be a good way to teach themStudies have shown that gardening can have a
about nature and the cycle of life. Some of thecalming effect and reduce stress. This holds true for
benefits that kids could derive from gardening arekids as well. Gardening can be used as a therapy for
discussed below.abused children, and also treat children from broken
Science:homes. It has a calming effect and thus helps to build
Children can be explained the wonders of life, like theup the child's self-esteem.
plant's life cycle or the place of the plants in the foodQuality Family Time:
chain and how human beings are responsible for theGardens have a lovely ambiance and this helps to
protection of the environment. They can experiencerelax and unwind after a stressful day. It is a place to
the miracle of life by observing the development of aplay with your children and bond with them. One can
seed to the fully-grown plant. This will serve as aspend quality time with the children just by talking with
practical instruction for the science lessons they arethem while doing the gardening chores. It is an
learning at school, thus making it a fun activity.enjoyable way to do things together as a family and
Life:get to know your child as an individual.
Watching a seed grow into a sapling is a satisfyingChildren are the future generation, and they can be
experience and the kids will learn to appreciate natureeducated to take care of the environment by involving
and all living things. Gardening will teach the kids tothem in gardening activities and at the same time
treat all living things with care. It can help to generatepromote their development as a good human being.
feelings of tenderness and care as a part of the