Do your children spend most of their days on their phones, computers, or in front of the TV? This is a big problem for many parents these days. You probably think how great it would be to get them outside and do something together as a family. So, the perfect solution is to start a small garden with the whole family. This is not just a simple crop, but a wonderful way to improve family happiness, relationships, and children's mental and physical health .
So, why do we need to build a garden?
Simply put, the benefits are far greater than you might think. A garden is an opportunity for the whole family to work together, working towards a common goal. This develops qualities such as support, bonding, and responsibility within the family.
On the other hand, the joy and self-confidence a child feels when they see a plant they have planted grow and bear fruit is priceless. They feel proud that they have grown it. Research has even shown that when they grow it together as a family, their mental well-being and overall health improve.
Children are especially interested in eating vegetables and fruits that they have grown themselves. This is a great way to get little ones who don't like vegetables to eat fresh vegetables without the risk of poisoning.
Also, working in the garden is a great way to relieve stress . When you touch the ground, water the plants, and look at them, you feel incredibly relaxed and light. Working outdoors provides your body with vitamin D. This is essential for strong bones and a strong immune system. However, when working in the sun, don't forget to wear sunscreen for both you and your children.
How do we get involved in this work?
There's no need to think big. It's best to start small. Follow these steps.
1. Choose a good location: Choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 8 to 10 hours of sunlight a day . Also, it's best to have easy access to water, preferably close to home.
2. Prepare the soil: You can either make beds in the ground and plant them. Or you can use raised garden boxes made of wood. The most important thing is to choose a well-draining, fertile soil. It is best to prepare the soil by adding some compost.
3. Decide what to plant: This is the most fun part of the job. Ask everyone in the family. Ask the children what vegetables and fruits they like to eat. Choose things that are suitable for our climate and are easy to grow. It is easy to start with things like spinach, gotukola, mukunuwenna, okra, yams, tomatoes.
4. Make a plan: Draw a plan of your garden on a small piece of paper, marking where you will plant what. Involve your children in this process as well.
Benefits of farming for child development
When a child works in a garden, he or she unknowingly learns many important life skills. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Developing skill | What the child feels and receives |
|---|---|
| The ability to do something successfully (Mastery) | When you plant a seed, watch it sprout, and watch it bear fruit, you feel a sense of self-confidence and accomplishment, saying, "I did something successfully." |
| Feeling of belonging to the family (Belonging) | When you contribute to a common family task, you feel like an important member of the family. The family bond is strengthened. |
| Generosity | When they share the vegetables and fruits they grow with their neighbors and relatives, they learn the value of helping others and sharing. |
| Confidence | They build self-confidence by taking responsibility for garden work, trying new things, and seeing the results. |
Some ideas to make this task more fun
Don't let gardening be boring for your kids. Try these little ideas.
- Plant things that give quick results: Young children lack patience. So when you plant things like radishes, spinach, and kale that sprout in 3-4 days, they become even more interested when they see the results quickly.
- Give your children their own tools: small hand knives, shovels, and colorful watering cans that fit their hands. Let them choose what they want.
- Don't just plant vegetables: If your children like it, plant flowers like sunflowers and marigolds that will beautify your garden. They will also be happy when they pick them and put them in a flower pot at home.
- Plant fragrant plants: Plant fragrant plants like mint, sage, and curry leaves. Enjoying the scent of these is also a new experience for children.
Tips and safety for a successful garden
Once the cultivation has begun, it is also important to maintain it well.
- Weed and water: Make a small schedule for your children to weed once a week. Watering them daily is also essential for the health of the plants.
- Be careful with fertilizers and pesticides: Use organic fertilizers and pesticides whenever possible. If you do use a pesticide, make sure it is a food-safe type .
- Wash thoroughly before eating: Wash any vegetable, fruit, or herb you pick from the garden thoroughly under running water before eating.
- Most important safety tip: If a child gets any pesticide, fertilizer, or other substance on their skin, in their eyes, or accidentally ingests it , see a doctor immediately. If necessary, call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital for further information.
Finally, if your garden yields more than your family can consume, share it with your neighbors. Or even gather your children and donate it to a nearby nursing home or orphanage. The lesson a child learns from it is priceless.
Take-Home Message
- Gardening is not just about growing vegetables, it is a wonderful activity that fosters family happiness, health, and bonding.
- You don't need to start big. Start with a few plants that can be easily grown in a small space.
- Involve the children in this work from the beginning. Allow for their ideas and wishes.
- More than creating the perfect garden, it's more important for the whole family to enjoy this experience together.
- Always be aware of safety. Especially keep sharp tools and chemicals away from children. If any problems arise, seek medical advice immediately.
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