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We truly enjoy being grandparents and spending time with our three grandchildren. The difference for us between being parents and grandparents is that we are now able to enjoy even the simplest of tasks with our grandchildren that time didn’t allow as parents. Being working grandparents, our time is still often limited. We like to look for ways to involve our grandchildren in activities that we enjoy and activities that we think they’d like, as well. One of our favorite things to do with our six-year-old grandson is plant seeds in the spring. It’s a task that we could do just the two of us, but by involving our grandson in this simple chore, we get to introduce him to the world of gardening. In today’s world of expanding technology, spending quality time with your grandchildren can be a real challenge. But it’s worth it. Tending to the garden not only creates lasting memories, but it also promotes outdoor physical activity, and teaches valuable lessons about caring for the environment. As each spring turns into summer, we like to show our grandson the plants during each phase as they continue to grow. He gets to learn about the cycle of life from the garden. More and more responsibility is given to him each year. He started out by sorting rocks, and now he helps us pick out what to grow and helps with planting. He’s becoming more involved and is learning how to care for plants at all their different stages of growth. One of our two granddaughters is now at the age where she is starting to join in the fun each spring. We’ve noticed that the children take to the garden in different ways depending on age, but we know that a task can be found for each child. Here are some tips to help you get your grandchild involved in gardening at any age: Ages 2-3: It may be too early for these youngsters to handle plants, but they’ll find other parts of the garden completely fascinating. Butterflies, worms, and insects will surely capture their attention. They can participate by watering or putting rocks away in a box. Be sure to keep an eye on these tots - their willingness to help may turn into them pulling up plants and seeds that you’ve just planted. Ages 4-5: Kids this age are ready to play. Help your grandchildren create stories with the earthly discoveries they find in the garden. A hollow tree stump, an oddly shaped rock, various weeds, and more can lead to countless adventures. Give them a spot to dig and water. You can also help them sow some large seeds in pots. For tools, let them use old, heavy kitchen spoons and measuring cups for digging and scooping. Ages 6-7: At this age, your youngsters’ reading and math skills are improving, so they are ready for more responsibility in the garden. They can read seed packets, help pick out what to grow, and make plant labels. Try giving them some tools and a small patch to call their own. Remember, a few crooked rows and weeds are okay. Ages 8-10: Your grandchildren’s involvement in the garden is now on a new level. Their skills have developed and they are starting to do things better than before. Trips to the nursery can be a very engaging activity. At this age, kids can enter their flowers and vegetables in local fairs and community events. Together you also can get involved in a community gardening group. Ages 11+: As your grandchildren get older, there are still ways to involve them with the garden. There are school projects on nature and ecology that can put their green thumbs to work. What are their favorite things to grow? Together create recipes and meals using their favorite home-grown produce or create floral arrangements with the flowers they enjoy. Gardening has become an annual event with our grandson and now, as spring approaches, he asks, “When we are going to plant the seeds?” We hope that the gardening tradition continues with our two younger granddaughters as well. It’s never too late to introduce the wonderful world of gardening to your grandchildren. You can help them develop a love of nature and they will enjoy the special time they get to spend with you. Remember, it’s the simple tasks that will supply lasting memories for both you and your grandchildren for years to come. |
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