top of page

How to Get Your Kids into the Garden More


We all know that spending time outside in the fresh air is essential for us as humans. For kids, it is a crucial aspect of their health and development.



Credit: Andy Kuzma

The good news is that there are lots of ways to encourage your little ones to spend more time in the great outdoors and what better place to start than your own garden? Hopefully, what this means is that they will spend less time on their electronics and more time cultivating good health, curiosity and adventure. Keep reading to find out more . . .




Build it into their routines 


Credit: Yan Krukau

One of the smartest ways to help your children spend more time outside is to build it into their everyday routines. This will allow them to get used to it and eventually, it will become second nature to them. 


Of course, how you do this is up to you. For example, we like to add it to our list of things to do in the summer before the kids can access their electronic devices. However, heading outside for breakfast (weather and temp allowing) or having some set gardening time can also work equally well. You could even move story time into the garden if you like, and choosing books that are about gardens, plants, and the animals you can find outside will make the experience even better for your kids. 




Make sure they feel safe 



Credit: Сергей Терентьев

Another way to help your children get more outside time in the garden is to ensure they feel as safe as possible. After all, none of us is likely to choose to spend time in a place that makes us feel remotely on edge.


There are lots of things you can do to help your child feel safer in the garden including making sure any hazards like loose stepping stones or broken gates are fixed or removed. Bodies of water such as ponds and pools should also be covered with special safety coverings that maintain their rigidity when someone steps on them. 


Lastly, you can also ensure that no intruders, human or animal, can get into your garden by adding a fence. Indeed, good quality security fencing will not only make your kids feel safe but also help you relax when they are playing outside because you’ll know they are safely enclosed within your garden. Additionally, security fencing can make your whole property more secure and raise its value too, so it is a win-win investment. 




Make it fun 



Credit: Karolina Grabows

Last, of all, one of the most effective ways to help your little ones spend more time outside in the garden every day is to make it as fun as possible for them to do so (this definitely includes mine when they were really little). For many kids, this means supplying them with outdoor toys such as bikes, scooters, and trampolines.


Although, your younger ones may also enjoy a sand pit, especially if they are into trucks and diggers and they can play for hours in the sand with these. You can even make a sand pit relatively quickly and easily yourself if you like. Just be sure to use the right sand  - the stuff that is especially sold for sandpits and cover the pit when not in use. 




I'd love to know more about how you've made your outdoor space suitable and engaging for your kiddies. Or, if like many people you don't have an outdoor space, let me know what you do to get your family outside. The local park? A forest walk? A beach day? There are lots of possibilities!


Go well,


Abi

xxx



P.S. If you enjoyed this blog post then make sure you sign up to get ALL Abigail's bookish news as and when it happens. You'll also bag yourself a copy of Life Is Yours - the first book in the Life Is Yours Trilogy. Sign up here.






Recent Posts

See All

留言


If you like this post . . .

You will probably LOVE Abigail's novels . . .

Based an Abigail's actual lived experience, the Life Is Yours series tracks the story of how one woman navigates heartbreak, multicultural love and motherhood whilst staying true to herself.

All four books are available on Amazon now!

"I read this in one night and I really loved it. Lovely book, down to earth, emotionally honest and uplifting."

Suzy K Quinn

#1 Bestselling Author of Bad Mother Series

"Life Is Yours is an inspirational guide to overcoming heartbreak through mindfulness, meditation and a chance meeting on a beach."

Ian McLaughlin

Comedy Improviser and Coach

"Life Is Yours is an inspiring and uplifting story told in a unique way. I devoured it in one weekend and can't wait for the next instalment."

Hayley McLean

UK Parenting & Lifestyle Blogger

(Sparkles & Stretchmarks)

"Life Is Yours is a beautifully embroidered story - if you've ever suffered from a broken heart or simply lost your way, then read this book."

Julie Spiller

Author of The Cornubian

"Romance books like this are rare - shining a light on who you could be if you threw caution to the wind, opened your heart and remembered, Life IS Yours."

Mark Labrow

Creativity Guru & Author

"Abigail's passion for life and enthusiasm for change spill out from every page of this book. Life Is Yours has lessons for us all."

Paul McArthur

Musician, Educator, Author & Coach

4 books in fan.png
bottom of page