This one is for the parents!
With the school year drawing to a close, now is the perfect time to encourage kids of any age to get outside and get their hands dirty–literally. Encouraging children to take their energy and imaginations outdoors will help foster a love of green grass, fresh air and sunshine.
Kids of all ages are a big help outside and including them in yard work, gardening and other activities is a simple way to spend time together. We suggest families brainstorm tasks to ensure everyone is contributing, learning and having fun.
NURTURE A LOVE OF NATURE
Ideas, activities and chores for getting families outside
From raking grass clippings, to harvesting vegetables, there are so many ways to teach young people new and practical skills. To help get started, our team put together a list of suggestions for families who want to get outside.
1 - Lead by Listening
Kids love to help out–even if they don’t always know what they are doing. The best place to begin is by involving children in the decision-making, taking care to encourage their interests. From there, invest in safe tools and equipment, and have fun!
2 - Lil’ Gardeners
Gardening is a perfect opportunity to get kids outside and into the dirt. Kids love growing things and grown-ups do too. Invite kids to help plant seedlings, or to pick out flowers from a garden centre to be planted or potted at home. Kids can help with watering and weeding all summer long.
3 - Tween Lawn Experts
Lawn care is a big job! Kids can take part and tackle simple chores such as raking grass clippings or pulling weeds. They may also enjoy watering the grass and can confidently set up sprinklers or just spray away! Older kids may be ready to start mowing, but remember, the Canadian Safety Council recommends young people be at least 12 to use a walk-behind mower.
4 - Fun with Food
Growing food is a tasty way to get kids interested in the outdoors and build healthy food habits at the same time. If you have the space, consider planting a raised bed or planter box with low-maintenance vegetables such as cucumbers, beans, peas, or carrots. Pot-friendly veggies like tomatoes, or flavourful herbs like chives are a good choice too.
5 - Tackling Chores
There are lots of little tasks required to take care of a home’s outdoor space. Kids can help sweep patios, steps and walkways, or wash outdoor furniture as needed. They can add water to bird baths, refill hummingbird feeders, or even be in charge of keeping the outdoor space tidy and guest-ready. It’s all part of learning that a little effort goes a long way.
Looking for supplies? Our seasonal garden centre, Homegrown, offers annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs from Lindsay Hamilton, co-owner of Mountainview.
Shop the Homegrown online store: https://tinyurl.com/3t8ps2ep
Happy summer!
