Family Gardens And Grows

Why Gardening Is The Perfect Family Activity And How It Can Help Bring Your Family Closer Together

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Q: Dear April Masini,

I've been trying to think of ways to get my kids away from the television and out of the house and want to come up with an activity that the entire family can do together. My kids vary greatly in ages so everything that sounds cool to one of them, is boring to the others. Do you have any ideas for activities our whole family can do outside together? We'd prefer it to be something we can do regularly and something that isn't too expensive.

Sincerely,

Get out of the House

A:

Dear Get out of the House,

Gardening is the perfect idea for an outdoor family activity!

How can families make the most of gardening together?

Schedule a regular time and date to garden together. Make the date a good energy time. For instance, if someone gets cranky around nap time, don't schedule your gardening at that time. If everyone is fresh and energetic in the morning, then use that time. Scheduling the time gives the family a chance to anticipate, plan and discuss this project that they're doing together, prolonging and nourishing the family communication and intimacy.

What benefits do kids get from the exposure?

When the family gardens together, kids get to see teamwork in action, and also they understand socialization and how they fit in to the mix. They see their worth when they have a special job to do and do it well. They also get to learn patience, as gardening is less a one time deal than a process that occurs over time.

What's the kid appeal of planting and tending to a garden?

• Kids love to be with their families in a positive way.
• Kids love to get dirty and play in the dirt and with the hose and gardening tools.
• Kids love to shop for seeds, plants and be involved in what will be from their efforts.
• Picking the flowers or vegetables that you grow and serving them on the table is a great celebration to the work and teaches children about hard work paying off.

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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