I have a confession to make. Until recently, spring was my least favorite season. For years, I just saw it as a time filled with rainy days, random late-season snowstorms, and a temporary detour before summer finally arrived. But in the past few years, something has shifted. I have developed a whole new appreciation for spring. Now, I look at the rain as a chance to splash in puddles with my kids. I see those occasional snowflakes as a reminder of why I love living in New England, where the seasons change so dramatically. And I’ve come to see spring as a time to savor the present and gear up for the summer ahead.
As a mom, spring has also become a chance for me to let my kids experience all that this season has to offer. I get to show them the wonder of the world waking up after its long winter nap. I get to teach them what it means for one season to close and another to begin. And most of all, I get to embrace this season—one I used to merely tolerate—with full presence and gratitude. I am discovering the magic of spring alongside my children by connecting with them through meaningful activities and conversations.
Here are some of the ways I am connecting with my kids this spring:
Talk About The Season
Spring is a time of transformation and offers a great opportunity to support your children in learning about the cycles of nature. Start by asking your kids what spring means to them. As I was writing this article and testing out some of my ideas, I asked my five-year-old what she thinks about when she thinks about spring. She said: flowers, Cape Cod, my mom, and pretty green leaves.
Leverage this moment to get curious about your own children’s experiences—ask about how they are feeling about the changes in the world and in themselves. I then asked her if she had any goals for spring. After mindfully defining what a goal is, she said that she wants to go to Boston to see what spring looks like there, plant seeds like we did last year, start flossing, and schedule more playdates. This is what I love about conversation starters with kids—you never know what will come up, but I am “in” for all of these ideas (and grateful for the recent school visit from the dentist)!
Get Outside
As the days get longer and warmer, spring is a perfect time to get outside more often. Just before writing this article, I took my three-year-old son on an evening walk. We ended up adventuring for three miles, looking at sticks, acorns, and the occasional squirrel along the way. We even caught a glimpse of a few buds, just waiting to spring from the ground. Whether you enjoy going for hikes, playing in the park, or having dinner outside, spring offers a chance to re-embrace the world. As you explore, ask your children questions about what they notice: What do you see on the ground today? What does the air feel like to you? How do you think the birds are feeling?
Prepare to Garden
Spring is synonymous with planting season, making it the perfect time for gardening with your kids. Whether you’re starting a vegetable garden, planting flowers in pots, or tending to houseplants, gardening together is a wonderful opportunity to bond and create something together.
Gardening can also help teach teamwork, responsibility, and patience, all while providing valuable lessons about nature, growth, and sustainability. Depending on your child’s age, you can involve them in different ways: younger kids can help plant seeds and water, while older kids can research gardening practices and track the growth of different plants. While you’re in the garden, it’s also an opportunity to continue to have meaningful conversations. You might discuss the importance of nature conservation, sustainability, or how to care for others.
Spring Clean, Together
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Turn it into a family event that brings everyone together. Instead of rushing through the tasks, transform cleaning into a bonding (and hopefully productive!) experience. Assign fun roles for everyone based on their age and ability, and use music to make it feel like a party.
You can also create a “treasure hunt” for old items. Have your kids help decide what to donate or recycle, and talk about the importance of decluttering and letting go of things we no longer need. This activity can serve as a lesson in generosity and mindfulness while also allowing for meaningful conversations about gratitude and giving back.
How will you engage your kids with the turning of the season? Be sure to share your tips and ideas with us in the comments!
