Gardening is a rewarding hobby people of virtually all ages can enjoy. That’s why it’s a good idea for parents to help their kids develop green thumbs.
The following are key reasons why you’ll want to get your kids gardening early in their lives:
They’ll Spend Time Outside
Gardening gives a child more opportunities to spend time outside. According to studies, that’s important for a child’s development. Kids who have more chances to spend time in green spaces during childhood are less likely than others to develop mental health problems as adults. Even if your child starts with indoor gardening (which may be the best way for them to learn the basics), they can move on to outdoor projects when they’re ready.
They’ll Develop Important Skills
Child development experts have pointed out that gardening is an ideal activity for young children because it helps them acquire a range of skills that will be valuable later in life.
For instance, the actual physical aspects of the experience help children develop fine motor skills. Getting to know the names of different plants boosts their literacy. Because proper gardening involves some degree of waiting, children also learn the value of patience. If you plant veggies with your child, they may even be more inclined to try them!
You’ll Spend Time Together
Depending on how young your child is, there’s a good chance they’ll need some help when first learning about the essentials of gardening. This gives you more chances to spend time together in a pleasant and productive way. It’s worth noting that spending time with parents is also crucial to a child’s healthy development.
You’ll Give Them a Hobby for Life
Some childhood games and activities are restricted to, well, childhood. Not every single game you played as a child corresponds to an activity you continue to participate in as an adult.
That’s one of the reasons gardening is so unique. Again, this is the kind of activity a person can enjoy well into adulthood. They’ll be far more likely to if they were introduced to gardening as a child.
Of course, if your child is going to try their hand at gardening, they need the right tools. Adult gardening tools are simply too dangerous and heavy for young kids. They need a kids gardening set instead.
Green Toys Indoor Gardening Kit is a good choice. This 11-piece kids gardening set comes with one peapod-shaped planter tray, three planting pots, one trowel, three packs of organic seeds (teddy bear sunflower, basil, and zinnia), three compacted soil dishes, and simple planting instructions. The fact that the kit is also made from recycled milk jugs means you get to be eco-friendly while supporting your child’s development as well!
