Last year, my divorce finalized, and I faced the challenge every weekend parent knows: making the most of limited time with my kids. As an IT consultant, I wanted to share my love for technology while teaching them valuable life skills. That’s when I discovered microgreens – tiny, nutrient-packed plants that became our bridge to connection, learning, and fun.

Finding Our Green Connection

The first weekend I introduced microgreens to my kids, Emma (10) and Jack (8), their eyes lit up at the indoor growing system I’d set up. The combination of LED lights, automated watering, and tiny seeds caught their attention immediately. Technology and nature merged perfectly, creating an activity we could all engage in together.

Here’s how we got started with our microgreen adventure:

1. Purchased a basic hydroponic growing kit with LED lights
2. Selected easy-to-grow microgreens (radish, sunflower, and pea shoots)
3. Set up our growing station on the kitchen counter where we eat breakfast

Creating Our Weekend Routine

Each Friday when the kids arrive, we check on our growing plants together. The quick growth cycle of microgreens means there’s always something new to observe, measure, and document. We turned this into our special “Friday Check-In” tradition that helps transition into our weekend together.

Here’s what our weekly routine looks like:

1. Measure plant height and take photos
2. Record observations in our shared digital garden journal
3. Start new seeds if needed
4. Harvest ready microgreens for dinner

Making Technology Work for Us

As an IT professional, I couldn’t resist adding some tech elements to our growing operation. We installed a smart plug to control the grow lights and set up a basic monitoring system using a Raspberry Pi. The kids love checking the temperature and humidity readings on our custom dashboard.

Here’s how we integrated technology into our growing:

1. Created a simple monitoring system using basic sensors
2. Set up automated notifications for watering times
3. Built a digital photo timeline to track growth progress

Learning Through Growing

What started as a simple growing project evolved into a comprehensive learning experience. We use spreadsheets to track growth rates, calculate yields, and plan our planting schedule. The kids learn math, science, and responsibility without realizing they’re being taught.

Here are the skills we’ve developed together:

1. Basic data collection and analysis
2. Understanding plant biology and nutrition
3. Project planning and management
4. Photography and documentation

Building Lasting Connections

The microgreens project gave us more than just fresh salad toppings. It provided a constant topic of conversation during phone calls between visits. The kids send me photos of recipes they want to try with our harvests, and we plan future growing experiments together.

Here’s what makes this activity special for us:

1. Creates shared goals and achievements
2. Provides topics for meaningful conversations
3. Develops ongoing projects we can work on together

Transforming Picky Eaters into Health Enthusiasts

One unexpected benefit of our microgreen adventure was its impact on my children’s eating habits. Emma and Jack were initially skeptical about “green stuff” on their plates, but growing their own food changed everything. When they witnessed the entire process – from planting seeds to harvesting their crops – they developed a newfound curiosity about healthy eating.

Here’s how microgreens transformed our mealtime experience:

1. Started with familiar flavors like mild pea shoots
2. Let them choose which microgreens to add to their favorite dishes
3. Made it fun by creating “rainbow plates” with different colored microgreens
4. Encouraged them to invent their own microgreen-based recipes

Now, instead of pushing vegetables aside, they proudly garnish their plates with the microgreens they’ve grown. It’s amazing how children become more adventurous eaters when they’re involved in the growing process.

Starting Your Own Family Growing Project

Want to create your own family connection through microgreens? Start small and keep it simple. You don’t need expensive equipment or technical knowledge to begin this journey with your children.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Purchase a basic growing kit (under $50)
2. Choose 2-3 easy varieties like radish or sunflower
3. Set aside 15 minutes each day for garden time together

Ready to strengthen your family bonds through growing? Start your microgreen journey this weekend. Your kids might surprise you with their enthusiasm for this blend of technology and nature. Have questions about getting started? Feel free to reach out – I’m always happy to help other parents find their green connection with their children.

Remember, it’s not just about growing plants – it’s about growing relationships. What will you grow together?