by Samantha Elliott

Created on: August 10, 2009

Mopping the floor, doing the dishes, vacuuming, and watering the plants bring out a robotic sense of self. We become emotionless and lost in the repetitive behavior. Look through the eyes of your child, and you will see those daily household activities you grudgingly muddle through in a brand new way. Hand your young one the duster, and he/she will not only have your tables and shelves pretty clean, but he will become a wizard with a magic wand, saving the village and wiping out the bad guys. Give your child the hand held vacuum, and he will turn into a sucker monster, gobbling up the tiny crumb people.

The only challenge in getting your child interested in a new activity such as gardening is your own mental roadblock. We grownups tend to forget the magic and wonderment behind the miracle of the smaller forms of life. It is all in the presentation. If we bring our own excitement and joy to the table, your little student will absolutely follow.

Learning is best through multiple channels. The fruits and vegetables on your dinner plate are great conversation starters. Where did they come from? What type of plant do they grow on? What type of vitamins do they have and why are they good for our bodies? Discuss and educate on nutrition often, and your child will gravitate toward healthier food choices-most of the time anyway. When you are at the grocery store, let your child pick out the produce and put in the bag. Tell him what to look for, and if a lesser choice is added in the sack, simply remove it when he isn't looking.

Take your child to the gardening section of your local hardware store, and show him the tiny potted plants. With your enthusiasm, it can be similar to a trip to the pet store. "Aw, look how cute they are. Look at this little guy over here!" You would be surprised at how quickly your child will join in and hunt for the sweetest, teeniest, plant. Buy your child his miniature winner, and while you are there pick up a small watering can to go with it. You can even suggest names for the new addition to your home. Let you child pick out a sunny resting spot for his new friend, and teach him basic care.

The more involved your child feels, the more confidence you build in him, and the more he will want to repeat the activity. Let him choose what type of seed you will sprout. Show him where the seeds are in the fruits and vegetables you eat and he will surely want to experiment with them. Many seeds do well on a wet paper towel, and the sprouts

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