LET'S GROW A GARDEN

"Mama, can you grow a garden on my back and belly?" ...a phrase I will always keep close to my heart. This sweet little bedtime ritual started when my daughter was around two years old.  I suppose you could say she has been a nature loving girl since the beginning. It is something Austin's grandma used to do with him when he was little, and it is by far the sweetest thing I have ever witnessed.

You are probably wondering what exactly growing a garden has to do with winding down for bed. I will share in case you have a kiddo who loves nature and maybe their love language is physical touch! It is one of the best ways to relax and provides a little sensory input before drifting off to sleep. Depending on the season, we switch up what we are growing and it is always fun to hear the different things she wants to grow.

So, let's grow a garden, shall we? We lay down in bed and I start drawing rows down her back. Then I pinch along the rows..."digging little holes". I ask her what she wants to plant and she blurts out her ideas. Usually it's her favorite fruits and veggies, but occasionally we get some random items like "presents" and "birthday cake". Once we have everything planted, I cover it with dirt by slowing brushing my hand across her back. Next, it's time to water the garden! It starts to rain and I start to bounce my fingers up and down all over the garden. Out comes the sun and I rub her back again to warm her up. She loves the changing weather with it raining one minute and sunny the next!

Our garden begins to grow, and I ask her what she wants me to pick from the garden. I give her a little squeeze on her back and grab whatever she requests. It always ends with giggles and smiles.

A simple little part of our bedtime routine that she will hopefully always remember.