The benefits of children owning plants

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 My daughters love all the plants in our home. This weekend they asked if they could go pick out their own plants. We decided on succulents since they are harder to kill. They each picked out succulents that they liked. They got aloe, cactus, ogre's ear, and a spider plant. The spider plant is not a succulent, but is hard to kill. They were so excited about their plants and came home and found perfect spots for them. They asked about sunlight needs and which windows would be best before carefully bringing them to their new homes.We also got lettuce and tomato plants and carrot, peas, and green bean seeds. There are a lot of benefits to having plants that my children will probably never realize. They get to learn science, patience, responsibility, but best of all we will get to bond over our shared love of plants. 

Gardening of any kind is a great way to spend time with children. They get to learn science in a fun and interactive way. They get to see first hand the effects of the sun and water have on their plants. They will get to see their plants bloom and create babies under proper care. Our kids will be able to learn about different types of soil and what makes one soil better for succulents or vegetables than another. They also will get to learn the names of plants. We are using math and reading skills too. They had a set dollar amount they could spend at the store and they had to figure out which plants they could afford with their money. They were also reading the labels of all plants and the signs within the store. 

Having plants also teaches kids responsibility. They have this plant now and they are responsible for what happens to it. It is up to them to make sure it gets watered when it needs to be and that it doesn't get over watered. Growing plants also teaches patience something I know my kids definitely need help with. Nothing happens overnight with plants. Succulents are known for being slow growers. They will have to be patient to see signs of their plant thriving. I know it will make the moment they see that new leaf or that baby sprouting up even more exciting for them. Vegetable plants also don't grow over night and the ones we are starting from seeds will take even longer. They will have to be patient before they can eat them.

They will also get to use their imagination. They could create succulent fairy gardens and design them their selves or create succulent arrangements. They will get to decide what type of materials they use, the decorations they want, and of course what succulents they want. They can pick recipes to try with their vegetables. This won't only use imagination of whatever recipe they can think up, but they will be able to practice math and cooking skills.

Another great thing about them having their own plants is it gives us a new way to bond. They love asking me questions about plants and I get to spend quality time with while I answer their questions. We will get to work side by side with each other when their plant needs re potted, water, or fertilizer. This means I get to give them one on one attention while we were together. My kids are talkers, they will have uninterrupted time with me to talk my head off. I love hearing all their stories, jokes, and questions. We also get to go shopping together and talk about the plants we see. 

There are so many benefits to children owning plants or helping in the garden. These are just a few that plants have benefited my children. When picking succulents or plants for children be careful some are poisonous to animals and people.