Nurture Plants and Children
Parents who teach their little ones to appreciate the outdoors are rare. Too many adults do not mow their own yards much less involve children in planting vegetables or flowers. Earth Day is 365!
Children who spend time with parents who “dig” gardening and allow their little sidekicks to dabble in the dirt are lucky. They see and imitate what they see parents or grandparents doing. Watering a plant teaches a child about taking care of the environment in a small way. Learning the names of flowers, plants, and trees makes the child feel grown-up.
Just as reading to children and encouraging them to love books prepares them for school, gardening prepares them for a lifetime of appreciation of natures beauty and bounty. Parents and grandparents can insure children have positive experiences with the outdoors (beyond bouncing balls) which will make their world better down the road.
Many kindergarten and primary schools have brought “outdoor” classroom time which is indeed to bridge the gap if children come from the city or live in poverty where no yards are available. However, it takes teachers who have been brought up loving the environment and gardens. Those teachers are rare.
Here are some articles which may inspire you to want to teach a wee gardener!
https://www.soulshinephotographer.com/post/25-inspiring-gardening-quotes-connecting-children-with-nature
https://happygardens.com/blogs/news/15-inspirational-quotes-about-gardening
https://www.redtedart.com/easy-toddler-gardening-ideas/
Thanks Diane. The re-greening of our planet is a worthy cause.
Wonderful ideas!