Hello Gardeners, Three's a Crowd: How To Help Kids Navigate Feeling Left Out

Re-Introducing Hello Gardeners®: A Series by Gardener Anna & Gardener Aidan:

Hello Gardeners® is a series & concept that Gardener Anna & Gardener Aidan created in 2018 when they were only 8 and 6 years old. The original series was filmed in their grandparent's greenhouse by our very own and extremely talented Illustrator, Kelsey Jordan. The program was inspired by a desire to help other gardeners transform their "weeds" (stressful situations) into "seeds" (opportunities for growth) and showcase new "gardening tools" (healthy coping strategies) to help foster confidence, calmness, creativity, and kindness.. Over the course of 3 years, Gardener Anna & Gardener Aidan filmed over 20 episodes and created a spin off series Camp Hello Gardeners®.

Three's a Crowd: How To Help Kids Navigate Feeling Left Out

Scroll down to read this week's featured Hello Gardeners® from 11 year old Gardener Liam

It's not uncommon for gardeners to feel left out among their peers, especially when they are in a group of three. As parents or caregivers, it's important to help young gardeners navigate these situations and provide them with support and healthy 'gardening tools'. Here are some ways to help kids when they feel left out:

• Encourage them to express their feelings: It's important to create a safe space for kids to express their emotions. Encourage them to talk about how they're feeling and listen to them without judgment.

• Help them develop social skills: Kids who struggle with social situations may benefit from practicing social skills. Role-playing scenarios can help them learn how to initiate conversations and join in on activities.

• Foster friendships outside of the group: Encourage your child to spend time with other friends outside of the group of three. This can help them build confidence and develop new relationships.

• Talk to the teacher: If your child is feeling left out at school, consider talking to their teacher for support. The teacher may be able to help facilitate friendships or suggest activities to help your child feel included.

Remember, feeling left out is a common experience for children, and it's important to provide them with healthy gardening tools they need to navigate these situations. By offering support and encouragement, you can help your child build resilience and develop strong social and emotional skills.

Calling All Teachers:

Hello Gardeners® is a wonderful classroom social-emotional learning (SEL) activity! Have your students write down tips and suggestions to help the featured gardener turn their 'weed into a seed'.

This SEL class exercise is rooted in:

-Conflict/resolution skills

-Empathy

-Coping strategies

-Open Communication

Download the FREE printable of our Hello Gardeners® journal page by clicking on the image!

CLICK THE JOURNAL PAGE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PDF

Keep pulling your weeds gardeners: Keeping the lines of communication open among children, families and teachers encourages kids to openly talk about their feelings with confidence and recognize opportunities when they need to get back to a calmer mindset. Our Hello Gardeners series is rooted in empowering gardeners with the vocabulary, mindset and tools to help them 'grow' forward feeling confident and calm!

We would love to feature YOU in one of our upcoming Hello Gardeners® segments. Send an email to gardeners at flowers@youareagardener.com and include a photo!

Three's a Crowd: How To Help Kids Navigate Feeling Left Out: You Are a Gardener® goes beyond the pages of a book,it is an entire movement dedicated to empowering children. Join our community and embrace the power of turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Through our inspiring #PullYourWeeds® initiative, we encourage children and adults alike to identify their emotional obstacles and transform them into seeds of resilience, strength, and personal development.