Children are constantly observing the actions of others and they spend most of their time watching and learning from their caregivers, other adults, their brother, or perhaps their sister. One way that we can teach children empathy is to teach and show them how to care for others and/or living things such as plants. In this simple activity, children will have fun using a household spray bottle while learning about caring for plants. 

 

Materials You will Need: 

-a spray bottle filled with water 

-indoor or outdoor plants 

 

Engaging with Your Child 

Caring for plants is a great household chore that you can introduce to your child at almost any age. Start this activity by inviting your child to help with caring for the plant, “This plant looks thirsty! It’s going to need some water- let’s water it.” Next, introduce the materials you will need, “I've got a spray bottle that’s filled with water. Plants needs water and sun to grow big and strong. Can you help water the plant? Let’s spray it some water.” Like people, each plant requires special attention and care. As you engage together in this activity, talk about how to care for the plants in your home and how your child can help with the responsibility, “We have lots of plants and we need to take care of them. Thank you for helping the plants by checking their soil and watering them with the spray bottle.”