Planting

By now you probably know I am a huge proponent of the classics. The activities that families have done for generations are fan favorites for a reason. Jigsaw puzzles, board games, and family walks are just a few examples. I would argue that planting a garden should secure a spot in the family Top Ten Activities List.

I grew up in New Rochelle, NY and we had a very small yard behind our house. My mom had planted beautiful flowers, but we also had a small barrel with some herbs and a couple of types of lettuce.

Over the years, my boys have helped me plant houseplants, pots of flowers for the patio, bulbs in the fall and a vegetable garden every spring.

Even if you only have indoor space, you could take the kids to the local park (unless you want potting soil in your apartment). Just bring a few light plant pots (plastic is fine), small indoor plants and some potting soil. If your child has sensory issues, you could bring some disposable latex gloves (assuming no allergies). Your kids can help plant and then they can be responsible for watering the plants each week.
Audrey Hepburn once said, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” I figure we could all use a bit more of that! Happy planting, my friends!
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About the Author
Erica Mauro is a mom to two teenage boys, Will who is neurotypical and Michael with Autism and cognitive delays. She holds a BA in Psychology from Colgate University and a Masters of Psychology in Education from Columbia Teacher’s College. Before staying home with her children, she worked as an elementary school teacher. For five years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation, a charity dedicated to enriching the lives of children with special needs. In partnership with her husband Dave, she aspires to parent by using daily life as an opportunity for therapeutic intervention, seizing on real experiences as opportunities to build skills and strategies for Michael in a joyful, loving home environment. On the tougher early days, she just tried to get everyone safely to bedtime and start fresh in the morning. *wink*
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