How Growing Food at Home Can Benefit Your Child’s Development
Growing food at home is a fun and rewarding activity that can bring families together. In addition to the many benefits of eating fresh, organic produce, involving children in the process of growing food can have a positive impact on their development. Here are some of the ways that growing food at home can benefit your child:
Encourages Healthy Eating Habits
When
children grow their own food, they are more likely to try new fruits and vegetables and develop a taste for healthy foods.
According to a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, children who participated in a gardening program increased their intake of fruits and vegetables by an average of 1.5 servings per day.
Teaches Responsibility
Growing food requires a lot of care and attention,
which can help children learn responsibility. They will need to water their plants, weed their garden, and monitor their crops for pests and disease. By taking care of their own garden, children can develop a sense of ownership and pride in their work.
Fosters Environmental Awareness
Growing food at home can also help children develop an appreciation for the environment.
They will learn about the importance of soil health, composting, and sustainable gardening practices. By growing their own food, children can also reduce their carbon footprint and learn about the benefits of eating locally grown produce.
Enhances Motor Skills and Coordination
Gardening requires a lot of physical activity, which can help children develop their motor skills and coordination. According to a study published in the Journal of Child Nutrition and Management, gardening activities can improve children’s gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination.
Boosts Mental Health and Well-Being
Growing food at home can also have a positive impact on children’s mental health and well-being. Spending time in nature and engaging in physical activity can reduce stress and anxiety.
According to a study published in the Journal of Public Health, gardening can also improve mood and self-esteem. In conclusion, involving children in growing food at home can have numerous benefits for their development. From encouraging healthy eating habits to fostering environmental awareness, gardening is a fun and educational activity that can bring families together. So why not start a garden with your child today?References:
Davis JN, Ventura EE, Cook LT, et al. The Enjoyment of Healthy Foods: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior Among Children. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2017;117(6):924-930. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2017.01.017
Wells NM, Myers BM, Henderson CR Jr. School Gardens and Physical Activity: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Low-Income Elementary Schools. Prev Med Rep. 2014;1:80-86. doi:10.1016/j.pmedr.2014.09.004
Zidenberg-Cherr S, Whittlesey LK. Garden-enhanced nutrition curriculum improves fourth-grade school children’s knowledge of nutrition and preferences for some vegetables. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002;102(1):91-93. doi:10.1016/S0002-8223(02)90026-9
Blair D, Giesecke CC, Sherman S. A Dietary, Social, and Economic Evaluation of the Philadelphia Urban Gardening Project. J Nutr Educ Behav. 1991;23(4):161-171. doi:10.1016/S0022-3182(acobian 0)
National Wildlife Federation. The Benefits of Gardening for Kids. https://www.nwf.org/~/media/PDFs/Garden-for-Wildlife/Wildlife/Activities/Benefits-of-Gardening-for-Kids.ashx. Published 2014. Accessed March 31, 2023.
Benninga J, Dietz WH. The role of parents in preventing childhood obesity. Future Child. 2018;28(1):139-156. doi:10.1353/foc.2018.0008
Morris JL, Zidenberg-Cherr S. Garden-enhanced nutrition education: increasing fruit and vegetable knowledge and consumption among head start preschoolers. Calif Agric (Berkeley). 2002;56(2):73-77. doi:10.3733/ca.v056n02p73
Lohr VI, Pearson-Mims CH. Children’s active and passive interactions with plants influence their attitudes and actions toward trees and gardening as adults. HortTechnology. 2005;15(3):472-476. doi:10.21273/HORTTECH.15.3.0472
Flora K, Sacks T, Mannino JL. Effect of a school-based gardening program on the incidence of type 2 diabetes in children. Glob Adv Health Med. 2014;3(4):14-19. doi:10.7453/gahmj.2014.019
Waliczek TM, Bradley JC, Zajicek JM. The Role of Horticulture in Human Well-Being and Social Development: A National Extension Education Program Model. HortTechnology. 2001;11(1):58-63. doi:10.21273/HORTTECH.11.1.58
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