As temperatures turn and evenings and early mornings become more pleasant, perhaps it’s time to try a new hobby with the kids – gardening. Besides the benefit that comes with outdoor play – think muscle and motor skill building – it offers some other therapeutic lessons as well.
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IT GROWS COMPASSION: Seeing something grow from seedling to stem to sturdy plant can trigger many responses: pride, empathy and compassion chief among them. There is a personal stake in development and being successful gives them a dollop of well-earned self-confidence.
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DIVERSE PALATE: Which parent doesn’t know how tough it is to get a kid to eat fruits and vegetables? But studies quoted in the US-based Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics say there is a small, but positive link between gardening and being interested in eating fresh produce. Cue the gardening tools.
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LEARNING ABOUT SCIENCE AND NATURE: Well, obviously, they learn about photosynthesis – the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create oxygen – but they can also learn about other phenomenon including why some plants are indoor plants while others are outdoor ones. It’s the ideal time to also teach children about edible plants such as herbs and teach them how to grow some.
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LEARNING ABOUT TEAMWORK: It’s tough work bringing up a plant. It really is teamwork that makes the plant - which must be fed fertiliser and water, and kept in a certain way and place – grow to be its best. Plus, since it’s your child and you on the field, it’s quality bonding time – what could be better?
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STAYING CALM AND GARDENING ON: Digging, tossing in, covering, watering. Repeat. Gardening can be a meditative experience since it’s got repetitive motions, and is usually done in a green area with fresh air.
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EXERCISE IN MATH SKILLS: Whether it’s keeping count on the number of days before a seedling sprouts or swapping cash – or coupons – for a fruit, learning to add or subtract has never been more fun than with the sweet fruity treat nearby.
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IT CAN REWARD CURIOSITY: About the world, about what grows where and how. Use a map and crayons to chart the native land of the plant you are trying to grow. Talk about a quick and easy geography lesson.
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