The hot summer months are the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time outdoors with your child. A great activity that you can do together is gardening! Teaching your child how to plant and care for a garden will help their development, while also providing an enjoyable activity the two of you can bond over. Lake Forrest Prep, an Orlando private school, can help you teach your new child life skills in an exciting (and messy!) way.

Gardening and a Child’s Development

Gardening can help enhance your child’s development. Do you remember playing in the water hose when you were younger? It’s not just a fun game! Sprinklers and garden hoses can provide sensory stimulation as well. Planting allows your child to practice their fine motor skills, which will help them with things like writing. Learning the names of what they plant can assist in literacy later on, and your child will gain science skills when they take care of their garden, learning valuable lessons about responsibility along the way. Children are also more likely to want to try new fruits and vegetables when they’ve had a hand in growing them. Above all else, your child will learn the art of patience as they eagerly anticipate their garden’s growth!

How to Garden with Your Child

You may already have your own large garden, but your child will need a smaller space. Stick to a flower pot or two, providing just enough for your child to actively take care of and learn from. Grow something that is simple and sturdy, yet exciting, such as tomatoes, strawberries, or beans. Consider planting flowers that will attract new garden friends like butterflies and hummingbirds. When gardening with your child, always practice safety first. Ensure that all sprays and fertilizers are locked away and that after monitored use, tools are stored in a child-proof area. Appropriate attire for outdoor activities include sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Drink water regularly and take shaded breaks as needed. The sun is best in regulated quantities.

Gardening can be the perfect activity for you and your child. It can help teach them patience, responsibility, and about the world around them. For more quality activities that will enhance your child’s development, visit Orlando private school Lake Forrest Prep today.