Plants & Animals for Kids
- Children enjoy carving pumpkins they grew themselves.Sylvia Bors/Digital Vision/Getty Images
Kids enjoy taking care of plants and animals. It gives them self-esteem and a sense of responsibility to have an animal dependent on them for love, attention and care. Many animals are perfect for families with small or large children. Caring for plants teaches them about nature and science and instills in them a love for gardening. - Pumpkins are an enjoyable way for children to learn about gardening and contribute to Halloween or autumn harvest decorations. Plant the pumpkins in the garden when all danger of frost is over in your area. Put four or five seeds about 1 inch into the soil. Space any other plants or pumpkins five or six feet away. Thin each hill to two plants when they are about two or three weeks old. Keep the area free of weeds, and water them when the soil is dry to the touch. It takes approximately 100 to 110 days to mature. Harvest your pumpkins when they are a deep orange shade and before any heavy frosts. Leave 3 or 4 inches on the stem when you cut it, to prevent rotting.
- Chinchillas are a perfect choice for a young child's pet. They interact well with children of all ages and are amusing and gentle. The chinchillas have a life span of about 10 to 20 years; therefore, much thought must go into the purchase of these animals. They enjoy playing in messy dirt. Because chinchillas can get heat stroke, it is important that they live in a relatively cool area in your home. Avoid keeping them in areas such as a pen in the yard or a garage.
- Kids will get a kick out of the crested celosia plant. The curly, furry-looking flower resembles a rooster's comb. The leaves are broad and green in color. Plant the crested celosia once all danger of frost is gone in your region. Place the young seedlings in an area with full sunlight. They tolerate heat well. Make sure to plant them about one to two feet apart. Water them when the soil about a half-inch down is dry to your fingers.
- If your kids have their heart set on a dog as a pet, consider a poodle. Since they come in three different sizes, it is uncomplicated to find one that is just right for your home. They are playful and quite intelligent. The happy nature of these dogs will bring much laughter to your home. Because they don't shed as much as other dogs they are an excellent breed to have indoors.
