A great activity for some family time is gardening, but it can be a hard sell in comparison to indoor indulgences, so you have to make it fun. Here are a handful of tips to get a new 
generation of green thumbs started.
Hype It Up
Let the kids know what you’re planning a day or two before your gardening adventure. Then they can get the moans and groans out early. Don’t let it get to you, stay positive and then invite them to come pick out some plants and seeds with you. Giving them the opportunity to choose what they’re growing will give them a sense of control and pride. To make it even more special, let them pick out their own gardening gloves and knee rests. Having their own supplies will make helping in the garden more of a personal endeavor for them. Having them on board with the project before you begin by making it as much their garden as yours goes a long way toward attitude adjustment.
Morning Glory
Start the day with a good breakfast, and then hit the garden before the midday sun gets too powerful. Working in the cooler air is safer and less uncomfortable for your kids.
Divvy Up the Duties
If this is their first time working with you in the garden, show them the tools of the trade. Peak their interest by showing them what each tool is used for and help them to choose jobs that are helpful, interesting and appropriate for their ages and skills.
Just Add Music
One of the best tricks to keeping kids’ spirits up during a day of gardening is adding a radio to the mix. Compromise on music that the whole family can enjoy and let the tunes amp up the activity. Singing along and shaking your groove thing is healthy fun for everyone.
Take Breaks
Taking regular breaks with plenty of water and light drinks like lemonade is an absolute must. Gardening is hard work and you all need to stay hydrated. Lay down a blanket or set up some lawn chairs under a big shady tree and just relax and chat.
Water Works
When the planting is done, let them water the new garden and then give them time to get themselves wet, too. Never underestimate the kid power of a sprinkler. It’s just as helpful to your garden as it is entertaining for your pint-sized gardeners.
Getting your kids outside may be more tricky now that there is so much electronic competition, but if you make it fun for them, gardening can be a great way to coax them out into the light of day. Really, how many times in their lives will mom encourage them to get dirty?
About jessi
