Research on the Benefits of Gardening for Children with Eczema and Their Caregivers

A recent study published in Healthcare looked at how gardening helps children with atopic dermatitis (a skin condition that causes itching and eczema) and their caregivers.

To find out, the researchers ran a therapeutic gardening program (TGP) for about four months. During the program, children and their caregivers did activities together in urban gardens. The caregivers’ mental health was compared to a group that didn’t participate (control group).

The findings were positive. Caregivers experienced less stress and greater confidence in their parenting, and children showed emotional improvements along with some relief in their skin condition.

Simply spending time together in the garden seemed to bring comfort to both the body and mind.

Understanding the Research

The therapeutic gardening program (TGP) aimed to help caregivers connect with their children, reduce stress, and feel more confident in parenting.

60 caregivers of children with eczema joined the study. The caregivers were randomly divided into two groups:

• 30 caregivers were placed in the experimental group, which participated in the gardening program with their child. They needed to be healthy enough to spend time outdoors.
• 30 caregivers were placed in the control group. They did not participate in the program.

Caregivers and children spent time planting, caring for plants, walking in the garden, and sharing experiences together. Activities included projects like planting a family tree and creating a shared garden space.

Before and after the program, caregivers answered questions about stress, anxiety, depression, life satisfaction, and parenting confidence.

Meanwhile, children answered questions about their mood and depression, and their skin symptoms were also measured using tools to check eczema severity.

After participating in the therapeutic gardening program (TGP), both caregivers and children showed improvements in their well-being. Here’s what the researchers found:

Caregivers:

• Their depression dropped by about 66%, while anxiety decreased by about 60%. This indicated that caregivers felt calmer after participating in the program.
• Stress levels went down by about 25%, while vitality (energy and motivation) increased by about 15%.
• Life satisfaction improved by about 15%, and parenting confidence increased by about 7%.
• Caregivers also reported feeling more bonded with their children and finding family life more enjoyable.

Children:

• Their depression scores dropped by about 24% after joining the gardening sessions.
• They showed fewer signs of sadness, low energy, and loss of interest in activities.
• Eczema symptoms (measured through the SCORAD index) improved by about 31%, meaning their skin became less irritated and itchy.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

Even without access to a large garden, caring adults can bring the benefits of therapeutic gardening into the home. This can support both themselves and their child, whether or not the child has a health condition.

Create a small indoor garden, or use a compact outdoor space if available

Watching plants grow and caring for them gives you and your child a sense of accomplishment. Begin with easy-to-grow plants like herbs (basil, mint, or parsley), small vegetables (like cherry tomatoes), or low-maintenance houseplants (such as pothos or spider plants).

Bonus tip: Let your child help create simple garden decor, like painted rocks, DIY plant markers, or small figurines to place among the plants. This makes the garden feel more special.

Teach mindful observation

Take time with your child to notice colors, shapes, scents, and textures of your plants. This practice of paying attention to small details brings your focus to the present moment.

Mindfulness helps reduce stress and anxiety. Over time, both you and your child may notice a greater sense of appreciation for the little things in everyday life.

Practice coping skills together

Use gardening as a safe space to try coping skills, such as deep breathing exercises and problem-solving. For example, if a plant isn’t growing as expected, you can pause, take a few deep breaths, and think of possible solutions.

This helps them learn that feeling frustrated is normal when faced with challenges, but problems can be solved in a calm way.

The researchers are suggesting that longer-term gardening programs and studies are needed to see stronger and more lasting benefits for children with atopic dermatitis and their caregivers.

Want the benefits of gardening and mental wellness in your home? Check out our Stress Management Worksheets and Coping Skills Worksheets.