By Michael, on June 25th, 2012 
Often gardening is used as an escape for those who enjoy the solitude of the work. The sense of accomplishment, however, may be one year children can benefit from. An added benefit is that children may be more likely to add foods they’ve had a hand in tending to their diets.
Children who have been involved in growing herbs and vegetables are highly likely to give them at least one chance. The pride of the accomplishment makes them want to eat their “work”.
The key to reaping the benefits of gardening on your children’s part is to make the process fun and, ironically, this involves them learning.
Start by involving them in the planning. Choose the area together and allow them to choose what to grow.
Make the garden a lively adventure. For example, reward your kids for clearing the area of weeds. Also, adds plants that can spark their hunger for learning. This can be done using the mimosa pudica, a plant that reacts, when touched, by folding its leaves and moving away.
Allow children to do work such as watering and digging. When the garden produces they’ll then associate the bounty with their efforts. Make the work a bit easier by using pots or containers.
A mistake parents can often make is not allowing children to take part in the entire process or gardening. But, think of all the life lessons you can share with them, even (or perhaps especially) the failures.
When some plants fail don’t try to hide the failure by replacing the veggies with thriving ones. These failures are a good way for kids learn that the process isn’t always a success, but this isn’t a reason to give up.
Gardening teaches children where food comes from, but it also teaches lessons in responsibility, nurture, nature, and builds self-esteem.
This article is written by Robert Stevens, an expert writer in housing resources topics like loans, debt, insurance, mortgage, home improvement etc.
