Beezin' with the Kids

With our bees in an over abundance this year we were able to gift each of our kids their very own hive. Of course the kids are overly proud of their hives and anxiously awaiting the production of honey from this years honey flow. They are each watching patiently to see if their hives will produce honey that they can hand process and sell.

---

I would imagine that a lot of people would be hesitant to allow their children to keep bees or to be near bee hives. Fortunately, our children do not have an known allergies to bees and have experienced a few stings just being in our yard and around them. As with any activity it is important to not force your own interests upon kids and let them guide and shape their interests. It hasn't been until this year that our kids really actually started to show interest in the boxes that are housed in our back yard. It's almost daily that they beg to go "Beezin'" and check on their hives. Until now they were passive participates in our bee keeping. They always knew that we had bees and looked forward to processing honey. Mostly just so they could sneak a taste.

---

The most important way to ensure bee keeping success with children to to make sure they are properly outfitted. A complete bee suit and gloves is a must. We encourage boots as well to help protect little ankles. Plus no one wants bees in their pants.

As we begin our entry lessons into bee keeping our kids are able to get as close to the hives as they want. The first time that sis came to the hives she nervously hung back. Now she gets in as close as she can. Her brother on the other hand has no fear and even though there have been some tears shed over stings he always quickly jumps back in and begs to see if his hive is making honey.

Of course at the hive they eagerly hold their hive tools that they have yet to use. We quickly walk them through their hive and help them identify some quick and easy components of the hive. They love to locate their queen and identify the honey stores! We've yet to let them handle frames or dig through the hives in fear of our novice keepers smashing our most important queens. Of course it doesn't take long before they announce that they are hot or tired. Keeping with kids is not the time to do full complete hive inspections. Keep it fun, simple and informational.

In just a few short visits to the hive they have learned so much. Currently our kiddos can point out honey and brood as well as occasionally help with locating their queen. They understand the importance of positioning of frames and where the bees prefer to store honey and produce brood frames. Furthermore both kiddos have placed queen excluders on their hives to be able to manipulate the storage of brood versus honey.

---

It has been great to share the intricate workings of the hives together with our children. I have a feeling that this is going to be the ultimate science project. There is so much to learn and explore. Caring for bees will teach the the importance of caring for nature. Of course their own dad is jealous of the knowledge they will be able to gain before they are even adults if they are able to stick with it. But even more important they will learn the true importance of patience and care for all things living.