HEALTH BENEFITS OF FAMILY GARDENING
Give Your Kid the Gift of a Green Thumb Springtime often means nicer weather and more time spent outside, but it also
Jack Gilbert, a scientist at the University of Chicago and a parent himself, and his co-author, Rob Knight, emphasize the health benefits of garden time in their book, “Dirt Is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child's Developing Immune System.”The two found that exposure to different microbes, like those found in a garden, strengthens a child’s immune system and makes them less likely to develop allergies. If this is your first time gardening, you don’t need much to get started. Grab a few shovels, a pair of gloves for each family member, and fresh potting soil, and you’ll be set.Then, you can decide together which plants you’d like to grow! Carrots are fun because of the surprise factor — just imagine your child discovering that the part they eat grows below the ground! Peas are tasty and fairly easy to grow, as are strawberries.The options really are endless. Depending on the growing season in your area, you can choose to buy seeds or opt for rooted plants. Last but certainly not least, the best part of gardening as a family is the healthy, fresh produce you’ll get to enjoy all summer long!
means it's gardening season.That means it’s time to roll up your sleeves and play in the dirt. If you’ve been searching for a way to get the kids away from technology and engaged with the real world, gardening is the perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy. Not only is it fun, but it’s also beneficial for your kids’ development. Matthews says, “Gardening exercises important reasoning, initiation, planning, and organization skills.” Furthermore, several studies, including one at Texas A&M University, suggest that gardening improves a child’s attitude toward fruits and For example, gardening can improve your children’s analytical abilities. As Dr. Wendy vegetables and may make them more likely to choose them as snacks. Gardening helps kids identify with where their food is coming from, and nothing tastes better than a freshly picked strawberry or pea pod they grew themselves.
CleanWith Kalie Helping Your Littles Develop Good Oral Hygiene Habits
face or star on that date. Use these images as positive encouragement to help them stick with it. At our house, something we’ve found successful for getting our kids into brushing is a kid-sized electric toothbrush. My daughter loves brushing her teeth so much more since we got her one! It makes it more fun for her to brush and a little easier to focus on the task. Since most electric brushes have a built-in two-minute timer, it eliminates some of the guesswork too. If you don’t have an electric toothbrush, then try using a phone or sand timer, like those you find in board games. Even better, put on a fun song for two minutes. Get your kids into the habit of brushing when the song starts (it’s okay if you all dance a little too). By helping your child create a positive relationship with their oral hygiene, you’ll set them up for a lifetime of smiles!
Just like for adults, brushing twice a day for two minutes each time will help your kids' teeth stay healthy and cavity-free.These early brushings will begin to build a habit that they’ll follow for the rest of their lives.
I know it’s not always easy for kids to stick with this routine. Sometimes, we need to get a little creative to help kids associate brushing their teeth with something fun and positive. Your kids will follow what you do, so set a good example for them. After they’ve watched you do it a couple times, have them brush their teeth with you in the morning and evening. Try brushing and flossing about the same time every day.This will help get your kids in the routine of it and make it a natural part of their day. Smile at each other when you’re done to show how clean your teeth are. Plus, smiling just feels good! You can also make a game of it by using a calendar or chart to mark their progress. For each day they do their brushing and flossing, put a smiley
-Kalie and Caryn –Kalie
2 | Elkins Dental
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