Orchards: their importance in the development of children

We all remember that experiment in science class where we planted a bean and marveled at how that seed turned into a little plant. Maybe, at this point, it seems like a very simple thing to do, but I think you probably got a nice memory from it.

Think about it, who does it remind you of? Maybe something funny, your best friend from school, your cute or not so cute teacher, even someone who is no longer with you. I remember how I used to put those beans on a cotton ball in a small plastic cup in my grandmother’s window, with a musty smell. She was very patient and let me keep them there, even if it blocked the view out of her pretty flowers.

Bean germination experiment
Photography: Alejandra Evia

As science advances, we have realized that the closest to the natural is better. In pediatrics, we prefer children to be born by natural birth rather than by a c-section; breastfeeding over formula; natural foods over processed ones; that children eat with their hands instead of giving them food in their mouths; as if we were returning to the cavern era.

What’s next, harvesting our own food? Defenetly, this seems like something you can do to start promoting healthy habits, and it is an excellent opportunity to have new experiences with your children and stimulate their development.

Pouring dirt
Photography: markus-spiske – Pexels

I did a survey on my social media, and 80% of the parents who answered would like to have a small orchard and share this experience with their children.

However, for many reasons such as lack of space, constant migration, and the children’s age, have prevented them from building an orchard.

Of those who have managed to have this experience with their children, most of them have a positive comment about it, even though it may have its degree of difficulty.

Playing in the swamp
Photography: Alejandra Evia

What surprised me about the survey was not that the children enjoyed it, but that this experience created a great opportunity for having family time and to create memories for the parents as well.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, playing is fundamental to children’s learning because it gives them tools for adult life such as problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity, which are things that are required to succeed in life.

And from my point of view, an orchard at home could be a perfect game that will provide your children with beautiful memories and tools for life.

Playing with leaves
Photography: tatiana-syrikova, Pexels

Perhaps this is not the right time for you to build an orchard. However, you can expose your children to nature to explore the world with their senses. Start by allowing them to be exposed to those beautiful spring colors and the leaves on the ground in fall.

Let them feel the texture of a plant or nearly put them in their mouths. Eventually, they will learn that some plants grow on their own, and others require more care.

“Building a small orchard will give your children great satisfaction and will be a way to promote family togetherness. Are you ready to build one?”