Gardening With Your Children
By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini
Q: Dear April Masini,
I have always loved to garden, and have a huge flower and vegetable garden in my backyard. My daughters are now in elementary school and want to help, which I'm very excited about. But how do I keep them interested in the garden and teach them about some of the plants?
Sincerely,
Green Thumb Mom
A:
Dear Green Thumb Mom,
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 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 into 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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