I received free product and compensation from Claritin to write this post. All opinions are my own.
Spring comes early in the South. When the first warmer day arrives, I am immediately tempted to head outside and begin planting things in my garden. That’s not the best idea ever, since we’re not supposed to plant until April 21st -after the last chance of frost- but I just cover our plants if there are any cold nights. I’m always eager for spring because I get such joy from being in my garden. A recent survey commissioned by the makers of Claritin found that spending just 20 minutes outside in nature can help make you feel happy and that’s certainly true for me. Gardening is the hobby that’s guaranteed to relax me.
We all know that technology, while great, is a tempting choice to keep us inside. That’s one of the reasons why Claritin has announced their 20 Minutes of Spring Project to help kids get outdoors more often. At our house, I have the kids help me garden. It’s not as relaxing as gardening solo, but they love it. I’ve found five tips that make gardening with young children easier.
Purchasing plants at our local plant sale.
1. Start Small. Most of my plants are in raised beds, but the easiest way for toddlers to plant is with their own flower pot. I purchased a small window box for the kids to use for their planting. It’s the perfect size for little hands, not so big as to be overwhelming, but with enough room for about three plants.
2. Purchase Edible Plants. Toddlers put everything in their mouth, from the pea gravel on the garden path to a sample of dirt. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned around to see the kids sticking one of their plants in their mouth and making a face. Since many plants are poisonous if consumed, I purchase organic edible flowers or organic herbs for their window boxes. Some of my favorites to include are basil, chives, mint or parsley for herbs. Not only are they easy to grown, I can use them when I cook.
3. Purchase Kid Sized Tools. Not only are these perfect for smaller hands, they’re durable. Also, it hurts a lot less if one of the kids accidentally hits you with one of the tools. I’ve actually switched to “borrowing” their spade for my flower beds because it’s so much easier to use.
4. Plan to Get Dirty. Gardening can be messy. It’s much easier to wear clothes we don’t care to get dirty or stained. Keep wipes or a towel on hand for the times dirt gets smeared onto faces. Trust me that will happen more often than you expect. Gardening gloves can be a lifesaver to protect against messy, broken fingernails and splinters.
5. Plan For Mistakes. Got your garden planned perfectly and are ready to pull up a few weeds? Watch the kids, they’ll want to help. And they won’t know the difference between weeds and plants. I only weed solo since I’ve discovered the kids go behind me helpfully pulling up my plants. Or they pick the flower blooms because they’re pretty. It’s easier to let go of the plans for the perfect flower garden and consider the memories we’re creating instead.
As much as I love spring in the South, there’s one thing I hate: pollen. In our area it leaves a thick yellow film over everything; houses, cars, outdoor toys. None of us want to be sniffly and sneezy after a few minutes outdoors. Claritin helps us manage our allergy symptoms ies and get outside. But they don’t just want us to be outside, they want everyone to get outside for at least 20 Minutes to enjoy the simple joys, sights and sounds springtime brings.
The 20 Minutes of Spring Project is a part of year two of a three year partnership between Claritin and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where Claritin has committed up to $500,000 to fund programming and create resources to help get kids outside.
The first year they developed a Play Breaks Guide to help keep kids active. This year Claritin is providing an Imagination Playground for Boys & Girls Clubs of America at PS 125 in Harlem, NYC. This will give the kids the opportunity to enjoy nature and participate in some of their favorite childhood activities.
Want to help make a difference with the kids of Boys & Girls Clubs of America? It’s simple – post a picture of your favorite family-friendly outdoor spring activity on Facebook or Instagram with both #Claritin and #20MinutesofSpring by June 21, 2018. Every post triggers a $5 donation to Boys and Girls Clubs of America (up to $50,000).
You can learn more at Claritin.com/20MinutesofSpring.
What are your favorite 20 Minutes of Spring activities?
I will soon have a toddler, and I just love the idea of edible plants. She puts EVERYTHING in her mouth.
We love gardening and the kiddos always love helping out. Spring finally hit here so we are eager to get planting
Edible plants are such a great idea. My grandkids love helping me outdoors in the garden but both of my granddaughters are allergic to everything, especially pollen which is already crazy here. Claritin D is my go to to get them outdoors.
Awesome suggestions for parents who would like to get their kids involved in gardening. I think it’s a brilliant way to get the kids outdoors and play more as well. They’re definitely going to enjoy it!
Gardening is so much fun when you have kids because they love to dig and they love water. I have fond memories when my kids were little.
I love to see parents starting their kids off young with such a beautiful thing like gardening. I have recently been trying to teach my son what different types of plants are called. We also use claritin tablets in our household when my sons allergies are acting up! This was a great read.
allergy medicine is such a great idea! I am going to look into that now
excellent tips. this is my first year trying a garden. my toddler will be right there with me. she never leaves my side!
I can’t get through the spring and summer gardening chores without Claritin! I love gardening with the kids now.
My girls love to help out in the garden. They love to help me pick up twigs and branches and collect leaves. They also love to help water the plants.
It is great to have a children’s medication that allows kids to play and garden in comfort. We are lucky our kids don’t have allergies but we know so many who do. I have to go out to the yard and help my husband and bring the kids.
I used to love gardening with my Mum when I was younger, we used to grow a lot of sunflowers, I always used to LOVE to see if they grew taller than me.
I think it’s a wonderful idea to buy a plant for your kiddo to take care of. That keeps them some responsibility and I think they would have fun with watching it grow.
What fabulous ideas! I wish I could grow things. My daughter usually helps my mom in her garden though, and loves it.
Great tips! I love gardening with the kiddos. We have so much fun selecting plants at our local nursery.
Gardening with kids can be so much fun and a lot of work. I love the idea of purchasing edible flowers. A toddler does tend to put everything in their mouth. Great tips!
My son takes those too. They help on super heavy pollen days