There are many known benefits of connecting children with nature at a young age. Being outside stimulates the senses in a unique way as children experience the free-flowing, ever-changing natural environment which envelops them. Furthermore, being one with nature contributes to children's intellectual, emotional, social and physical development. This brings us to the conclusion that having your own garden gives you a place to develop your child’s connection with nature as well as a green space to relax in and to enjoy the environment on a daily basis. My boys adore being outside, if you've seen me over on Instagram you'll know 99% our feed is us exploring, it does the boys the absolute world of good and they're always more tired when they've had fresh air in their lungs. Sometimes though, you can go off on an adventure, whether it's timing issues, the weather or any number of reasons, and that's why getting in the garden is great. But the question is, how do you create a child-friendly garden for your young nature lover?
Feeding Birds
Adding a bird feeder, out of the reach of small hands, into your garden makes it easy for you and your child to spend quality time together observing birds feeding. Young children will love watching the birds feed and older ones will enjoy bird identification using binoculars and a reference book. Making homemade bird feeders is a great activity for keeping children busy, helping them understand how birds feed, what they feed on and connecting them to the nature in their own garden.
Adding a bird feeder, out of the reach of small hands, into your garden makes it easy for you and your child to spend quality time together observing birds feeding. Young children will love watching the birds feed and older ones will enjoy bird identification using binoculars and a reference book. Making homemade bird feeders is a great activity for keeping children busy, helping them understand how birds feed, what they feed on and connecting them to the nature in their own garden.
Water
A pond or a container of water in your garden will attract a wide array of birds, animals and insects. However, this is not a safe option when small children are involved so a birdbath or outdoor fountain positioned near your bird feeder may be a good option. Birds particularly love the splashing water of an outdoor fountain and it will also attract insects and butterflies giving even more opportunities to see and hear nature in action.
A pond or a container of water in your garden will attract a wide array of birds, animals and insects. However, this is not a safe option when small children are involved so a birdbath or outdoor fountain positioned near your bird feeder may be a good option. Birds particularly love the splashing water of an outdoor fountain and it will also attract insects and butterflies giving even more opportunities to see and hear nature in action.
Grow your own veg
Children love to nurture and grow things so set aside a section of your garden dedicated to your children and the things they want to grow. Encourage them to dig the soil with their hands and to help plant, water and watch the progress of their seedlings as they grow into something they can eat. Understanding that food is grown from seed, picked when ripe and cooked into delicious meals is important for your child’s education.
Children love to nurture and grow things so set aside a section of your garden dedicated to your children and the things they want to grow. Encourage them to dig the soil with their hands and to help plant, water and watch the progress of their seedlings as they grow into something they can eat. Understanding that food is grown from seed, picked when ripe and cooked into delicious meals is important for your child’s education.
A place to observe nature
When planning your garden, include areas where children can hide and observe nature from within the garden itself, for example a willow den. Choose plants which stimulate the senses with beautiful aromas, textured leaves or bright colours. Take care when choosing plants to ensure that they are not
harmful when eaten or touched as small children typically put things in their mouths.
When planning your garden, include areas where children can hide and observe nature from within the garden itself, for example a willow den. Choose plants which stimulate the senses with beautiful aromas, textured leaves or bright colours. Take care when choosing plants to ensure that they are not
harmful when eaten or touched as small children typically put things in their mouths.
There is a wealth of opportunity to bring nature into your own garden and ensure it is child friendly, educational, enjoyable and great for adults too.
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