Parents can make gardening safe, educational and fun for children, and children can learn to respect nature by becoming familiar with the garden environment.
To help children have an enjoyable gardening experience, teach them safe outdoor habits. For example, wear shoes in the garden to protect against injury. Occasionally check exposed skin, including legs, arms, neck and head for ticks. Also, be aware that chiggers can bite at exposed areas around the ankles and lower legs if the skin comes in contact with grass for extended periods. Wear a hat and use bug spray, especially when in or around tall grass and brush.
Also, keep chemical fertilizers, weed killers and insecticides away from children. Stay away from recently chemically-treated landscapes. If chemicals can be smelled, stay away from the area.
It's also important to teach children which plants are safe to eat and touch. Survey wild plants that grow around the garden area to find any that might pose safety issues. Research garden plants on the Internet or talk to professionals.
For example, most wild mushrooms are extremely poisonous and can emerge overnight when humidity is high and temperatures are moderate. If children are at the stage where they will put anything into their mouths, regularly scan the yard and remove any mushrooms or molds with a shovel.
When working in the garden, don't let children use tools that are too big for them. Teach them how to correctly use kid-sized tools. Prevent children from contracting disease or illnesses, such as rabies, spread by animals by teaching them not to approach live or dead animals.
If confronted with a snake, give it room and take advantage of the opportunity to observe it from afar. The most common snake seen in the garden is the garter snake, which is completely harmless and very beneficial to the garden as it eats many insects. If there are poisonous snakes in the area, take the time to identify what they look like. Learn to identify any possible look-alikes that might be confused with dangerous snakes. Find out ahead of time who to contact if a dangerous snake needs to be relocated.
Also, teach children to avoid bee strings by moving slowly and quietly. Screaming or jerking away from a bee may startle it into stinging. Avoid bright colored clothing which attracts bees. Tie up long hair so bees won't become entangled. Wear shoes because yellow jackets and paper hornets nest near the ground and don't slap or brush off an insect, as this may cause it to sting in self-defense.
