nature | Happy Caterpillar

Apparently, we can see how nature is treated these days. It is a sad thing to know that people do not pay attention so much anymore to the environmental problems. What can we do about this? It’s as simple as starting with the children. It is good to see the children’s involvement with environment-friendly activities. One such nature-loving activity that children could easily get their hands on is gardening. Why should you consider gardening for your children?

Here are the benefits that gardening could easily provide the children with:

1. Science

In planting, children are indirectly taught the wonders of science like the plant’s life cycle and how human’s intervention can break or make the environment. They can have a first hand experience on the miracle of life through a seed. This would definitely be a new and enjoyable experience for the kids.

2. Life

Watching a seed grow into a tree is just as wondrous as the conception to birth and growth of a child. In time, kids will learn to love their plants and appreciate the life in them. Gardening could actually help simulate how life should be treated — it should be with care. The necessities to live will be emphasized to kids with the help of gardening – water, sunlight, air, soil. Those necessities could easily be corresponded to human necessities, i.e., water, shelter, air, food. By simply weeding out, one could educate how bad influences should be avoided to be able to live life smoothly.

3. Relaxation

Studies show that gardening can reduce stress because of its calming effect. This is applicable to any age group. More so, it stimulates all the five senses. Believe it or not, gardening may be used as therapy to children who have been abused or those who are members of broken homes. It helps build one’s self-esteem.

Looking at the root system of the flower plant. Amazed at how it looks.

4. Quality Time with the Family

You can forget about your stressful work life for a while be soothed by the lovely ambiance in the garden. You can play and spend quality time with your children. You can talk while watering the plants or you can work quietly beside each other. The bottom line is, always do what you have to do, together with your kids. You might discover a lot of new things about your child while mingling with them in your garden.

Nearly done. It is looking pretty don't you think? — Nearly done. It is looking pretty don’t you think?

Let kids become aware of their environment’s needs. And one way to jump start that environmental education may be through gardening. It’s hitting two birds with one stone — teach them to respect life while you bond with them.

Need a gift for Mother’s Day? Or a birthday? Well we have the perfect thing for you. It is cheap, the kids can help and Mom will love it! (Read the rest of this post and download our PDF guide) Yes I think I had you at cheap and getting the kids to help is a bonus as well. Now what am I on a about?

Busy painting the pots for Mother's Day — Busy painting the pots for Mother’s Day

Decorating terracotta pots with paint and you can also add things like decorations if you like. Glitter if the kids fancy it, glitter glue might be a better option since the pot plant most likely will be outside.

What Will You need?

Terracotta pots and saucers for the pots
Paint to decorate the pots. Look for ayriclic craft paint or external paint that you would paint the house. If you choose standard craft paint you will most likely have to paint it again. I am sure the kids would love to add to their design so no issue there. If you do want to make sure your design is kept and does not wash away keep indoors or seal the paint work on the pot to make sure.
Brushes, newspaper to make sure you don’t make a huge mess, container to clean out brushes, and old clothes or an apron for the kids or yourself so you don’t get good clothes dirty.
Soil to plant the plants

Download our guide 8 Tips to Decorate A Planter for Mother’s Day

8 Steps to Create A Painted Planter For Mom

1. Set up area for painting. Make sure you have newspaper or some sort of cover to prevent mess and spills. Get it all organized before you get the kids invloved. If you are not ready kids get to eager and start painting. You have been warned!

2. Make sure the kids paint everything. Saucers and all things that go with the pot.

3. Our kids used leaves and pressed them into paint to create interesting patterns. This would look amazing if you had different colour paint for different leaf shapes. Then press them onto different areas of the pot and then you have an amazing design.

Using leaves as patterns for the design.

4. Allow kids to get very messy and have fun with this activity. They can be free to create what ever design and outcome they want.

5. Get plants ready to be added to the finished pot plant. Before you can do this you will need to wait for the paint to dry. We waited a day and then it was ready to go. It could be an hour or so depending on how hot and if the pot is in the sun to dry.

6. Add dirt and make sure the plants are in the right spot and in just the right amount. You don’t want to have the plants roots out of the planter and not in the soil. If the kids are helping you this is best to check.

7. Once all in the new planter, it is now time to water the plants. Get them settled and a drink is a good idea.

8. Check out the finished product. Don’t they look amazing with color on them. Adding paint to terracotta pots does make a difference. The pots jump out at you now and it is a lovely burst of color, just right for spring and the garden.

Watering the finished potted product. All done and looking amazing. Make one for Mom today!

Have fun and I’m sure the kids and Mom will love this. It will not break the bank. Get cracking on creating this great Mother’s Day gift.

Tag: nature

Benefits Of Gardening For Kids