Nurturing Garden Skills with Your Toddler

Nature and learning to engage in activities in the garden can benefit both parents and children greatly. Through this blog, we will offer some practical tips, the importance of gardening, and share ways to cultivate a love for nature in young children.  

What are the benefits of gardening with toddlers?  

Gardening has several of benefits, from physical exercise to a variety of developmental skills. Especially in the age of technology, it is very common for children to grow up with a screen between their hands, limiting their opportunity to connect with nature. Connecting with the outdoors offers children an appreciation for the natural world 

A child’s physical development can greatly improve by taking part in simple gardening activities using garden toys to dig, plant, and water seeds. This will help child develop their fine motor skills and gross motor skills.  

Enhance your child’s cognitive skills by introducing scientific concepts. Children can observe the cycle of plants, understand the importance of water and sunlight, and stimulate their curiosity by learning about different plant species and seeds.  

Finally, gardening can have a positive impact on children’s emotional and social development. Working alongside your child can influence their teamwork, patience, and responsibility which can enhance a children’s self-esteem and reduce their stress levels.  

Practical Tips for Gardening with Children  

Age-appropriate Activities  

Choose simple activities for your child to get involved, such as digging, watering, and planting seeds. This way children can be engaged in small fun activities and learn about the processes of gardening and why they are important. 

Child-friendly Garden Space  

Ensure there is a safe and hazard-free area for your child to experiment and explore. Choosing small plots or raised beds would be ideal for small hands to explore nature and play around in the environment. Be sure to keep any hazardous tools or plants far away and out of your child’s reach.  

Child-safe Tools  

Invest in child-friendly garden toys and tools for your child to use and join you in your gardening objectives. These tools are made for small hands and are easy for toddlers to handle.  

Edible Plants 

We recommend choosing plants that can grow quickly and are safe to eat. This way your child doesn’t wait too long to witness the cycle of their plants and in case they want to enjoy the fruits of their labour – they can quite literally eat them. We advise radishes, sunflowers, strawberries, and tomatoes to get you started!  

Sensory Exploration 

Gardening can be a great activity offering plenty of sensory-rich experiences. Encourage your child to touch different textures, smell various herbs, and observe all the colours the bloom from surrounding flowers and vegetables. This can enhance their learning experience and make gardening even more enjoyable.  

Summary  

Gardening can be a wonderful way for children to develop without a screen. Fostering a love for nature allows children to reap the benefits, such as physical development, cognitive and social skills. By creating a safe environment with plenty of child-friendly tools, you can make the experience fun and educational while creating lasting memories that will benefit a child’s life for many years to come.  For a variety of tools to help your child’s developmental journey, check out learning skills toys to boost their abilities and educational growth. 

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