Want to Teach Children Responsibility? Here's Why a Garden Makes A Great First Pet for Kids! by Cheryl Leahy

Although pets teach our kids about responsibility, they are a huge commitment. If you want to teach your child lessons about being responsible but aren’t ready for a pet, try a garden! 

• Show your child how to feed and water a garden and clean up after it (pull weeds). 
• You can also show your child how to “train” certain plants: plant pole beans along a trellis and train the sprouts to climb! 
• If your plants get “sick,” show your child measures to take to make them better. 

The garden also gives back: It provides a home to worms and insects and you can use the vegetables to prepare healthy meals!