Harvesting Family Time

Harvest is by far my favorite time of the year because there are so many wonderful things that come with fall that can be enjoyed by all family, from watching the leaves change colour to pouncing around in crunchy piles of fun. There is so much opportunity to connect as a family, inside and outside of the home. 

Consider making preserves as a family on those cold crisp fall days. From pickling cucumbers and beets to making pasta sauce and jam, you not only provide nutrition for the family but are strengthening the family bond.

This is a great opportunity to educate your kids (and us) about where our food comes from. This helps them develop skills such as responsibility, patience and problem-solving. Not only are they learning about the life cycle of a plant, the importance of healthy soil, and how the weather affects growth, but strengthening their bond within the family unit. 

When we connect our kids to their food, they are more likely to eat it and try new varieties of fruits and vegetables. There is a sense of wonder and magic by going out into a garden and watching some delicious edibles grow, and then harvesting them. The delectable taste of a garden tomato or strawberry is unparalleled to what is available in grocery stores. 

So when you feel like staying cozy warm inside this fall, try something new as pickling and preserving will pay dividends for years to come. 

 

 

Becky Morrison is a Nurse Practitioner based out of Calgary who has specialized in mental health for over a decade. She is finally, after years of infertility, a mother of two busy little boys, and doting fur mom of her gentle giant, Stella. She is, and always will be, a strong advocate for mental wellness at all ages.