Making the September Switch: How to Transition to a Joyful New School Year : Switching from summer to September can sometimes be challenging for gardeners of all ages. Today, we are sharing some easy tips to help you and your family in smoothly transitioning and embracing a joyful new school year. Celebrate Your Summer : Compile a photo album or journal to document all the fantastic adventures you experienced this summer. This can provide closure to the summer and create a positive association with the transition. Re-establish Routines Gradually : Start adjusting bedtimes and morning routines slowly. This helps ease the transition without the shock of a sudden change. Make it fun by creating a morning checklist with colorful markers or stickers. Encourage Open Communication : Make sure kids know they can talk to you about their feelings regarding the new school year. Whether they’re excited, nervous, or a mix of both, validating their emotions can make the transition smoother. Model a Positive Attitude : Your attitude toward the new school year can greatly influence your children’s outlook. Express enthusiasm and confidence about the upcoming year to help them feel the same way. Start a Summer Vision Board: Craft a vision board showcasing destinations you wish to travel to and activities you want to experience next summer. Looking forward to and striving towards these goals helps gardeners maintain a positive outlook. We wish all our gardener friends a successful 2024/2025 school year! Discover simple and fun ways on 'Making the September Switch: How to Transition to a Joyful New School Year'. Embrace the change with positivity!

Choosing positive and healthy ‘Gardening Tools’ to manage our weeds (stress) is what helps us stay rooted in a calm, creative, and confident mindset. When we dig into activities and exercises that bring us joy, we lay the foundation for emotional empowerment and resilience. This helpful Pick A Tool, Any Tool Activity Sheet offers a delightful opportunity for gardeners of all ages to explore and cultivate tools that resonate with them and is a wonderful resource to use at home and in educational settings. As gardeners, there are so many helpful gardening tools available to us, and it is beneficial to continue to seek out the activities that promote well-being and keep us feeling good! So gardeners, pick a tool and let’s grow! Unearth the power of gardening tools to cultivate a calm and confident mindset. Choose your go-to tool with our 'Pick A Tool, Any Tool' Activity Sheet.

Pre-Order The Third Edition Today of You Are a Gardener® Our You Are a Gardener® children's book is printed in small batches. The Second Edition is now completely sold out, and the gardeners are currently busy working on the Third Edition arriving this September! This fresh edition includes over 10 new illustrations, updated content, and a free resources section to nurture the You Are a Gardener® mindset at home and in educational settings. Secure your copy by pre-ordering today and dig into the next evolution of You Are a Gardener®. Discover the next evolution of You Are a Gardener®! Pre-Order The Third Edition Today and secure your copy of this beloved children's book.

5 Key Tips To Being a Successful Gardener As gardeners, we have the power to plant the seeds for a brighter future. Explore our five key tips for being a successful gardener and dig into into nurturing a new generation of emotionally empowered gardeners! 1-Dig Into The Gardener's Glossary Dig into the power of the words flowers, weeds & seeds! Remember, gardeners, consistency is key! Download a set of free You Are a Gardener Flash Cards that dig into the Gardener's Glossary- Click here! 2- Pull Your Weeds As gardeners, there are many trusted gardeners out there who are available to help us get to the root of our weeds , in efforts to plant new seeds and appreciate our flowers. Encouraging gardeners of all ages to communicate with family members, teachers, counselors, and trusted educators can greatly benefit social and emotional growth. 3-Use Your Gardening Tools Discover healthy exercises and activities that help you stay rooted in a confident, creative and calm mindset. Click here to explore new 'Gardening Tools' and start collecting gardening Tool Badges! 4. Practice Gratitude Daily Gratitude is essential for gardeners of any age, as it serves as the foundation for planting positive seeds in our gardens. Being grounded in a mindset of gratitude and appreciation helps in maintaining a sense of calm and confidence. Click Here For our Free Spreading Seeds of Gratitude™ Activity Kit! 5. Spread Kindness As gardeners, it's important that we are always spreading seeds of kindness. Teaching young gardeners to spread seeds of kindness in their home and community helps instill important values such as empathy, compassion, and generosity from a young age. Learn ways to spread seeds of kindness at school, home and your community! Discover the top 5 key tips to being a successful gardener! From digging into the gardener's glossary to spreading seeds of kindness, find out more here.

A Grounding Garden Exercise For Cultivating Calm Hello gardeners! Today, we have a delightful grounding exercise that gardeners of all ages will enjoy. Grounding exercises are relaxing and fun activities that help gardeners get more connected to the present moment and their surroundings. They offer fantastic benefits for our social and emotional development and can be done at any time, anywhere. There are so many health benefits to grounding exercises, including reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing overall well-being; this is why they are a go-to Gardening Tool to do at home, in school or in a group counseling session! Scroll down for a free printable of our Grounding Garden Exercise & scroll all the way down to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for this exercise! Click the image to download the printer friendly version of this Garden Grounding Exercise A Grounding Garden Exercise: "Imagine you are in a beautiful garden. First, step on the soft soil with your left foot, then with your right foot, feeling the squishy earth under you. Now, take a big, deep breath and blow out gently, like you're blowing away some light, fluffy leaves. Keep doing this: step left, step right, blow out; step left, step right, blow out. Feel how your feet are connected to the friendly soil. With each gentle breath out, let go of any weeds (worried thoughts), just like you would clear away old leaves to make room for new, colorful flowers to grow." Incorporating grounding exercises into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your mental and emotional health, creating a solid foundation for a calm, creative and confident mindset. Happy grounding gardeners! Hey gardeners, did you do our Garden Grounding Exercise? If so, congratulations, you can collect the 'Garden Grounding Exercise' Gardening Tool Badge'!  --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your  Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet Discover a delightful grounding exercise in our blog post 'A Grounding Garden Exercise For Cultivating Calm'. Reduce stress and improve your well-being today!

Hello gardeners! Today, we're excited to share a delightful outdoor summer DIY activity that's perfect for gardeners of all ages –making your own chalk paint! Engaging in sensory activities is highly beneficial for our social and emotional growth and devlopment. When gardeners explore hands-on activities like creating chalk paint, it encourages them to touch, feel, and unleash their creativity, promoting positive focus and problem-solving skills. The end result promises hours of outdoor play filled with vibrant colors, movement, and varied textures. All you need is a hose for cleanup, which can even lead to another enjoyable outdoor activity! Scroll down to watch a throwback video from Camp Hello Gardeners® when Gardener Anna shows us step by step how to make our own chalk paint! Scroll all the way down to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity! Gardener Anna's Chalk Paint Recipe: 2 Cups Corn Starch 2 Cups of Water Food Coloring Muffin Tin Toothpicks Mix equal parts of corn starch and water in a bowl, then pour the mixture evenly into the muffin tin. Add 2-3 drops of food coloring to each tin and use a toothpick to mix – this is also a fun way to explore different colors! Grab a paintbrush gardeners and let the creativity flow with hours of colorful fun! Hey gardeners, did you make your own chalk paint? If so, congratulations, you can collect the 'DIY Chalk Paint' Gardening Tool Badge'!  --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your  Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet Unleash your creativity with DIY Chalk Paint! Join us in making vibrant, sensory-friendly chalk paint for endless hours of outdoor fun.

Attention all gardeners! We are offering $100 to help us grow! Receive $100 for every school that schedules an assembly this fall or winter. Help us plant the seeds for positive change this upcoming school year.   Connect us with a school and a recommend our #PullYourWeeds® Assembly on an introductory email -please copy us at flowers@youareagardener.com We will send you $100 for any school that books one or more assemblies for this fall/winter 2024 school year. We will send you a check once the assembly is complete. Learn more about assemblies here > Read recent reviews of our student assemblies here > We are now booking in all 50 states! Discover how your support can help us grow! Recommend our #PullYourWeeds® Assembly to a school and receive $100 if your school books a program. Let's plant the seeds for positive change together.

Planting The Seeds For Positive Change As gardeners, we have the ability to plant the seeds for positive change within ourselves, our community, and the world. It's time to embrace a fresh perspective that prioritizes our emotional well-being and resilience to enhance personal growth to help maintain a confident, creative, and calm mindset. By becoming advocates for positive change within ourselves, we can motivate other gardeners to adopt the same outlook. Global positive change is needed now more than ever. Our You Are a Gardener® book, educational programs , and platform are here to help in planting these seeds by raising awareness and offering the resources, tools, activities, exercises, and inspirations needed to nurture a world flourishing with positive transformation. So, fellow gardeners, let's spread these seeds together! Together, we can cultivate a garden of hope and inspiration, where every gardener contributes to a thriving ecosystem of kindness, respect, inclusivity, compassion, and understanding. A blossoming world where every gardener receives the care and attention needed to grow strong, confident, and resilient. Our collective efforts can create a ripple effect, touching hearts and minds far beyond our own communities. By fostering a culture of empathy and support, we can build a community that stands united in its commitment to positive change. Let us remember, gardeners, that even the smallest actions can make a significant impact. Whether it's staying rooted in gratitude, lending a helping hand, offering a kind word, or simply listening with an open heart, these seeds of positivity will take root and flourish. Together, we can transform our world into a beautiful, abundant garden where everyone has the opportunity to blossom. So, gardeners, let's roll up our sleeves, dig deep, and plant these seeds of positive change. With every positive seed we plant, we move closer to a world where positivity and resilience thrive, and where every gardener feels empowered to make a difference. Happy gardening, and may all our efforts yield bountiful blossoms of joy, peace, and harmony. Embrace a fresh perspective and join the movement of positive change. Plant the seeds for a thriving world with kindness, resilience, and hope. Join the #PullYourWeeds®  Movement to Cultivate Resilience & Confidence You Are a Gardener® is more than just a children’s book,– it's a movement! Our aim is to equip children, families, and educators with helpful 'Gardening Tools' to stay rooted in a confident, creative, and calm mindset.  We invite you to join our community and discover the transformative power of turning challenges into opportunities for growth... weeds to seeds ! Our #PullYourWeeds®  Blog encourages gardeners of all ages to recognize their emotional challenges and transform them into seeds of strength, resilience, and personal growth.

Today, Gardener Kelsey is "Planting Positivity with Motivational Messages for Your Garden Stakes." All you need is some wood, paint, and a hot glue gun. This is a fun way to spread positivity in your garden or a community garden. Scroll down to watch Gardener Kelsey's new video, and scroll all the way down to Collect Your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity! Learn how to make a fun, inspiring craft for your garden, this is a wonderful DIY project for gardeners of all ages! To get started, grab some wood to use as the garden marker, and get some sticks about six to eight inches long to use as small stakes. Sand the edges to smooth any rough spots if needed. Next, think of some uplifting messages you’d like to display and use a marker or paint pen to write your chosen motivational messages on the stakes. << PRESS PLAY TO WATCH NOW >> Phrases like "Grow Through What You Go Through”, “Grow with Love”, “Let’s Root For Each Other”, “Keep Growing” , "Pull Your Weeds", "Bloom Where You Are Planted," or "Stay Grounded" can inspire and bring joy to anyone who sees them. For an extra touch of creativity, you can attach small decorative items like buttons, beads, or tiny clay flowers with the hot glue gun. Finally, place your finished stakes in your garden, spacing them out so they can be appreciated from various angles. Not only will these garden stakes add a pop of color and positivity to your garden, but they will also serve as daily reminders to stay positive and keep growing, no matter what ‘weeds’ come your way. Hey gardeners, did you make your own clay photo holders? If so, congratulations, you can collect the 'DIY Clay Photo Holder' Gardening Tool Badge'!  --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your  Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet Get inspired with Planting Positivity Motivational Messages Garden Stakes. Learn how to create your own uplifting garden decor and spread joy in your community!

Gratitude is essential for gardeners of any age, as it serves as the foundation for planting positive seeds in our gardens. Being grounded in a mindset of gratitude and appreciation helps in maintaining a sense of calm and confidence. In today's world, spreading seeds of gratitude is beneficial for gardeners of all generations. We work hard to cultivate positive emotions and appreciate our flowers (our joyful feelings), especially when the weeds (negative emotions) pop up in our garden.Practicing gratitude allows gardeners to focus on the beauty and positivity surrounding us, rather than getting caught up in our weeds. Scroll down for ways to spread seeds of gratitude, to download or FREE Spreading Seeds of Gratitude ™ Activity Kit to use at home or in school  , and scroll all the way down to Collect Your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity! Cultivating a mindset of gratitude and appreciation can help gardeners navigate through difficult times (our weeds) with resilience and optimism. By focusing on the beauty and growth within our own gardens, we can find joy in even the smallest of achievements, like writing in a gratitude journal or writing a letter to a loved one . This mindful approach can be a powerful gardening tool to help gardeners of all ages overcome challenges, while encouraging a balanced and optimistic outlook. By recognizing the positives (our flowers) in our lives, we can c ultivate feelings of appreciation and gratitude that can significantly enhance our overall well-being . This practice of focusing on the positive aspects can create a ripple effect, leading to improved mental health, stronger relationships, and a more optimistic outlook on life. When we take the time to acknowledge and cherish the beauty around us, no matter how small, we begin to shift our perspective from what we lack to what we have. This shift can empower us to face challenges with resilience and hope, knowing that there is always something to be thankful for. So gardeners, let’s make it a daily habit to water our flowers, nurturing a garden of gratitude that is ever blooming. Just as tending to a garden requires patience and dedication, fostering gratitude in our lives is an ongoing process that requires attention and care. Our sense of gratitude flourishes when we actively cultivate it. This can be through simple daily practices such as keeping a gratitude journal, where we note down moments that bring us joy or appreciation. Another way is by expressing thankfulness to those around us, creating a ripple effect of positivity and connection. Gratitude isn't just about acknowledging the good times. It's about finding silver linings and lessons in challenging situations, recognizing the growth and strength that come from adversity (weeds to seeds). By doing so, we build resilience and a deeper appreciation for life's journey. 💛 More Ways to spread seeds of gratitude for gardeners of all ages 💛: 💛 Start a gratitude journal: Encourage writing down three things you are grateful for each day. This simple practice can shift focus from what's lacking to what's abundant. 💛 Express appreciation: Take time to thank those around you, whether it's a heartfelt note, a verbal acknowledgment, or a small act of kindness. 💛 Create a gratitude jar: Write down things you are thankful for on slips of paper and collect them in a jar. Over time, the jar will fill with positive memories and moments. Learn More > 💛 Mindful moments: Spend a few minutes each day in quiet reflection, focusing on aspects of your life that bring joy and fulfillment. 💛 Acts of kindness: Perform small, thoughtful acts for others. Helping someone else can amplify your own sense of gratitude. 💛 Gratitude walk: Take a walk and pay attention to the beauty around you. Notice the colors, sounds, and smells that often go unappreciated. Get Our Gratitude Scavenger Hunt Here > 💛 Thankful conversations: During meals or gatherings, share things you are grateful for with family or friends. This can foster a positive atmosphere and deepen connections. 💛 Gratitude art: Create drawings, paintings, or crafts that represent things you are thankful for. This is an especially engaging activity for younger gardeners. Download Our Gratitude Flowers Here > 💛 Daily affirmations: Start the day with positive statements about what you're grateful for and what you hope to achieve. 💛 Gratitude meditation: Incorporate meditation practices that focus on gratitude. This can help in grounding and centering your thoughts. 💛 Read inspiring stories: Engage with books or articles that highlight stories of resilience and gratitude. This can offer new perspectives and inspire your own practice. 💛 Celebrate small victories: Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest accomplishments and moments of joy in your life. <> Spreading seeds of gratitude transforms our perspective, enabling us to see life through a lens of abundance rather than scarcity. It enriches our relationships, boosts our mental well-being, and adds a profound sense of fulfillment and joy to our everyday experiences. So gardeners, let us tend to our garden of gratitude with much care and love, and watch it blossom into a beautiful, ever growing mindset. Hey gardeners, did you spread any seeds of gratitude? If so, congratulations, you can collect theSpreading Seeds of Gratitude™ ' Gardening Tool Badge'!  --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your  Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet! Cultivate a mindset of gratitude with our 'Spreading Seeds of Gratitude™' guide. Learn how to nurture positivity and resilience in your garden of life.

Hello, gardeners! Today, Gardener Kelsey has released an exciting new video showing us how to create Berry Simple DIY Clay Polaroid Holders. This charming craft project is enjoyable for gardeners of any age, allowing you to personalize the shapes to your liking, whether intricate or simple. In the video, Gardner Kelsey walks us through each step with clear instructions and helpful tips. Scroll down to watch Gardener Kelsey's new video, and scroll all the way down to Collect Your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity! Making our Berry Simple DIY Clay Polaroid Holders is wonderful for our social and emotional development for gardeners at any age. The hands-on activity encourages creativity and fine motor skills as gardeners mold and shape the clay. It fosters a sense of accomplishment and pride when we can see the finished product holding cherished memories in the form of Polaroid photos. Working on this project together can also strengthen family bonds , as it provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations and shared experiences . Younger gardeners can learn the value of patience and perseverance as they wait for the clay to dry and harden, and they experience the joy of giving when they gift their handmade holders to friends or family members. This simple yet engaging craft not only results in a functional keepsake but also leaves a lasting impact on a gardener’s emotional well-being and creative spirit. Materials Needed For Our Berry Simple DIY Clay Polaroid Holders: Air Dry Clay Paint Clear Finish Spray (optional) Polaroid Photos! Shape the air dry clay into your preferred design, like strawberries, flowers, or a minimalist frame. Gently press a polaroid into the clay to create a shelf/slot that perfectly fits your photos. Allow the clay to dry for 24-48 hours, or speed up the process by baking in the oven at the lowest setting for 10 minutes. Adjust the time based on clay thickness; thinner pieces dry faster. Choose your paint colors, apply them after the clay dries, and let them dry as well. For a glossy finish, consider using a finishing spray. Insert your photos and enjoy your unique creations! << PRESS PLAY TO WATCH NOW >> In her video, Gardener Kelsey starts by gathering all the necessary materials. With her easy-to-follow video, you'll learn how to roll out the clay, cut out your desired shapes, and even add textured details using everyday household items. Once your shapes are ready, Kelsey shows how to delicately insert a small groove for holding Polaroid photos. The best part? You can customize your holders with your favorite colors and designs, making each one a unique piece of art. She also shares some creative ideas for themes, like garden flowers, strawberries, or even minimalistic shapes that reflect your love for gardening. After the clay dries, Gardener Kelsey demonstrates how to paint and seal your creations, turning them into durable and charming decorations that can brighten up any space. Grab your clay gardeners and let's start creating! Our Berry Simple DIY Clay Polaroid Holders are ideal for a rainy afternoon, a class art project or a weekend craft. These clay gardeners add a delightful personal touch to any space, whether it's a room, office, or classroom. Happy gardening and crafting! Hey gardeners, did you make your own clay photo holders? If so, congratulations, you can collect the 'DIY Clay Photo Holder' Gardening Tool Badge'!  --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your  Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet Learn how to make Berry Simple DIY Clay Polaroid Holders with Gardener Kelsey! This engaging craft fosters creativity and emotional well-being.

Hello gardeners! Today, we are excited to feature Margaux Rustad MA, LAC , with whom we have been collaborating with since late spring. Gardener Margaux is a Licensed Associate Counselor  at Ellie Mental Health in Parsippany, NJ. She reached out to Gardener Shanna directly for guidance on developing a group counseling program based on the You Are a Gardener® foundation. Having attended a #PullYourWeeds® event a couple of years back, Gardener Margaux resonated deeply with our message. Collaboratively, we outlined easy and impactful methods to incorporate our vocabulary and mindset into counseling sessions for young children. Let’s check in with Gardener Margaux to see how it’s growing: "I implemented a loose curriculum based on some activities and the language of the book with a couple of my kiddos, and so far, it has been really positive! One kiddo even mentioned that she had seen the book at school which made me happy. I think it has been helpful for me too, to engage in getting comfortable with the language and the activities as almost a "trial run" of what will work best in a counseling setting. I have learned that the kiddos can relate to the language and find it makes it easier for them to express their emotions, plus utilizing the badges to make it even more engaging. Parents have also responded positively to the curriculum, as I have presented them with the tools we use in session to also incorporate at home.  Overall, I have taken a lot of positives away from this, and am really hopeful that this will give me a better handle on how to make it the most effective group in the future!  I hope all is well with you, and am looking forward to more collaboration as I continue to "research" in individual sessions for the group setting!" Margaux Rustad, MA, LAC Therapist Ellie Mental Health Parsippany << Calling all licensed counselors and therapists, we would love to collaborate with you! Contact us today and learn more about creating custom counseling curriculums for your practice! >> Email us at flowers@youareagardener.com Discover how Gardener Margaux, a Licensed Associate Counselor at Ellie Mental Health, is integrating the You Are a Gardener® foundation into counseling for young children.