We’ve talked before about our property and how we’re trying to achieve our dream of building an eco-retreat. What we haven’t yet touched on is the huge amount of work it can be to maintain a 5-acre piece of land (let alone build any sort of infrastructure) with two toddlers in tow. We were getting exhausted trying to keep them entertained so we could clear land, build fences, plant trees, and pick fruit. Then I had an idea – why not get these two extra sets of hands involved?

Childminding + the additional work we need around the property = win-win!

While I’m not (quite) advocating for child labour, there are many ways to make tasks around the yard fun while teaching the kids about good old hard work. Not to mention keeping them distracted enough to stay out of trouble!

Here’s a list of 10 jobs toddlers can help out with around your yard, acreage or farm.

1. Digging

Kids love to play in dirt and, quite frankly, Brooke likes to eat it. Watching her put dirt in her mouth absolutely grosses me out, but as a nutritionist I know that it is actually really good for her. Anyways, give a kid a shovel and they are really happy to dig a hole for a new tree or to plant a new blueberry bush.

2. Wheelbarrow Pushing

Once the kids have finished digging, you may want to move some of the soil, or even some rocks, to another area on the property. There’s nothing more fun for two siblings than a wheelbarrow race—whether they are pushing them or riding in them.

3. Berry Picking

While the kids are probably going to eat more berries than they will put in the berry bucket, it doesn’t really matter because berries are excellent for you—nutrient-dense and packed full of antioxidants. A blueberry bush is a wonderful choice for a yard or a balcony. Just don’t go planting Himalayan Blackberry because that is an invasive.

4. Spreading Seeds

We grow a lot of things from seed: wildflowers (the non-invasive kind) clover, vegetables and more. Kids love to help spread the seeds and this is such an easy thing to do. You could even make seed bombs and get the kids to help out! I’ll eventually make a how-to video on this topic.

5. Watering

While we’d like to solely use natural watering techniques that capture water and holds it in the soil, we aren’t there yet. So we have to sparingly water our bushes, shrubs and trees. The kids love doing this. And yes, we always end up having at least one person get soaked.

6. Plant & Animal ID

This is a biggie for me personally. I try to teach my kids both the Latin and common names of plants and give them as much information as I know. As I learn, they learn. I want them to be able to safely forage in a forest and know what species they are looking at. After all, we have a very strict rule of not putting anything into our mouths without knowing what it is. Being able to identify species can also contribute to society. When you see a species that’s invasive, or one that B.C. is keeping track of, you can be helpful and report it! This is an excellent tool you can use to start: Conservation Data Centre.

7. Picking up Pinecones

Pinecone collecting keeps the kids busy while I tend to whatever I’m trying to do. Plus, there are so many things you can do with pinecones! For example:

• If you know that there is no chance of spray you can donate them to a parrot sanctuary such as Bloedel Conservatory–just phone ahead and see if they are in need (parrots love to chew).
• Make a Christmas wreath, or fall arrangement.
• Dip them in wax and use them as fire starters.
• Not to mention the pinecone crafts on Pinterest!

8. Playing with Worms (aka Vermiculture)

Worm Bins! Jay and I have used Vermiculture many times over the years. We’ve had both elaborate setups and simple rubbermaid worm containers. Connor really loves Red Wigglers (worms) so we are going to make him a new worm bin out of an old bathtub. This will teach him another way to compost (worms eat food) as well as have some bait for fishing. This is a really fun thing to create with your kids. It teaches them how to compost and the lifecycle of worms. I’ll post a how-to soon!

9. Collecting Kindling for Campfires

Get the kids to help collect fallen branches or brush that has been cut down. Friends and family sitting around a campfire singing songs and having great conversations is a wonderful way to end a day in the forest. This also provides a great opportunity to teach young kids about fire safety.

10. Throwing Around and Playing With Leaves

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually want to remove leaves from your yard! Yep, I said it. Yes, leaves become slippery, turn brown and look like they should be removed, but they are protection for the earth and help create soil – a natural finite resource. So keep those leaves! If you can’t bear to leave them on the ground, compost them.

Do you put your kids to work outside? Am I missing anything? Better yet, do you have any little helpers we can borrow? Just kidding about that last one…

Becky

Becky is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Landscape & Production Horticulturist, Arborist and budding Herbalist, who recognizes and specializes in the link between healthy soil, the gut and the brain. She also loves being the mom to her two wild and crazy kids Brooke & Connor whom keep her and her ever loving, creative husband Jay on their toes.