Steady Mom

Container Gardening with Kids

It all started in March with a trip to the library....

Then some brainstorming and research....

Followed a few weeks ago by a trip to buy organic seeds....

We cleared out a space in the yard to keep our pots once it warms up....

Preparing and filling the large containers for big plants like carrots and blueberries...

On Easter we planted the first of our seeds indoors (Lettuce, Peppers, and Carrots)...

We're using the book Grow It, Cook It as our main container gardening "how-to" guide. It's a simple, attractive, kid-friendly gardening book and cookbook all in one. We chose container gardening because of the lead in our soil; we also thought it would be an easier introductory garden for our first year.

It's amazing how having children gets you excited about things you never cared for before. Gardening never interested me in the slightest, but when I saw those seedlings growing the other day it was magical! How wonderful as mothers to see things through the eyes of our children.

I'll keep you posted on the successes and failures (though I'm thinking positively!) of our gardening adventures.

What are your top tips for gardening with kids?

Preschool Play Chart

Mornings can get crazy around here. With everything it takes to get a family of five dressed and ready for the day, we need a little extra structure to help things run smoothly. But I also want the children to have as much freedom as possible to choose how they spend their time.

So I made this Play Chart. I got the idea from a preschool I worked at years ago. Children had a velcro name tag they would use to pick "centers." Of course at the time I had no idea that in a few short years I would have my own in-house preschool with three little people! (I'm glad I didn't know - it would have freaked me out.) But I digress....

We've been using this chart for three weeks now and it's going well. I'm able to get morning tasks accomplished and help the children when they need me. They're able to play where they choose (without having to share toys with any siblings for a while), and switch to a new area when they're ready.

Mornings feel a tad more peaceful now - and I consider that a success.

Do you use any tools or techniques to structure any of your kids' playtime?

(For more Works for Me Wednesday tips, visit We are THAT Family.)

The Importance of Reading to Children: Who?

This post continues a series about reading to children. I've already written about why we read and where we should do it. Today let's discuss who should read to our children.

 
Photo by Woodley Wonderworks

Many young children listen to stories read by their teachers. This is a wonderful way to excite children about books. But the greatest benefits come when reading is a much bigger part of a child's life. The combination of classroom introduction and home reinforcement is a powerful one.

Ideally, both mothers and fathers will read to their children. Since my current profession is full-time mothering, I do most of the reading aloud in our home. This is an easy "task" because it's my passion. But it's wonderful if children know that reading is valued by Dad as well.

Recently we pulled out a fun series of children's books called Mr. Men. They were one of Steve's favorites as a child. So he's begun a special tradition of reading them to the kids before bed. They don't really want me to read them - they are "Daddy's books!"

Set aside a short time in your day when your children read alone - not as a chore to check off, but as a fun activity to enjoy. Preschoolers can flip through picture books. Later as a child gains reading fluency it's a helpful practice time.

Finally, who needs to be reading? YOU DO. Setting the example by reading for pleasure and study in front of your kids is the best way to raise a reader. I make a point to tell my kids about what I've been reading. Today I mentioned the Hemingway novella I just finished - not to make a lesson out of it, but to share what I love with those I love.

In this way we can inspire our children to learn.

Related Posts:

The Importance of Reading to Children: Why?
The Importance of Reading to Children: Where?

Easter Eggs: Better Late Than Never

We didn't get around to dyeing eggs last week because of planning Elijah's party and a few sick children added to the mix. But yesterday was a sunny day and perfect for taking our eggs outdoors. Better late than never!

Have a great weekend!