Spring Projects for Kids Continued...

3. Set up a Lemonade Stand

Last summer, my boys set up a waffle stand with their grandmother to earn a few extra bucks. They donated a bit of their earnings to their sponsored child and the rest went to a toy they’d been saving for. I don’t know if they remember what toy they bought, but they often talk about the fun they had making waffles in Grandma’s kitchen.

Ask your children to choose a charity they’d like to support, and then help them set up a weekend lemonade stand or bake sale. This is a great project for teaching compassion, service, and responsibility.

4. Raise Caterpillars and Butterflies

Teach kids about the life cycle and provide a window into one of nature’s beautiful miracles by raising caterpillars and butterflies this spring.

• You’ll need an aquarium or a large mason jar.
• Be sure the opening is big enough for the butterfly to escape from.
• Poke holes in the lid to provide air.
• Add 2 inches of soil to the bottom of the jar.
• Find a caterpillar and put it into the jar along with several of the types of plants that you found the caterpillar on.
• Most caterpillars need 1 to 2 leaves per day. It’s important to research the type of caterpillar you have and make sure you provide the right plants, or else it may not eat.
• Put some sticks in the jar for the caterpillar to spin its cocoon upon.
• Once the caterpillar is in the cocoon, mist occasionally to provide moisture.
• Provide another stick for your butterfly to hang on once it emerges. Butterflies need a stick to hang on to so they can pump fluid into their wings.
• Once the butterfly emerges, keep it for a few hours to observe and learn, and then release it back into nature.

Happy Spring!

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Rebecca Eanes is the bestselling author of multiple books including Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide, The Positive Parenting Workbook, and The Gift of a Happy Mother. She is the grateful mom of two boys.