We are already feeling the tangible effects of climate change. The climate changes that are happening now will affect your children’s generation even more, and their children’s generation further. Children can be the hardest group to engage in positive climate change activism. They are also the most vulnerable to eco-anxiety. A recent global survey by the University of Bath showed that, out of 10,000 children and young adults interviewed, close to 60% of young people who responded said they felt “very” or “extremely” worried about climate change. And, the most devastating of all, 75% said that the “future is frightening.”
So, how can we be honest with children, engage them with climate action, whilst ensuring they feel hopeful, empowered and optimistic about the future? Here are five little ways to make those hard conversations more productive.
Spend time in nature
One of the best things for children’s emotional and physical wellbeing is to be exposed to as much as nature as possible. It’s so simple, but taking the time to appreciate nature, and encouraging your child to do the same can foster a sense of curiosity and wonder about the natural world, in a stress-free environment, away from the online world. Children should be encouraged to see nature as something to be respected and valued, but not feared.
Empower children with solutions, not problems
Children are exposed to a lot of negativity around climate change: online, at school and in the news. To make these big issues feel more manageable for children, focus on the small steps you can do as a family that positively engage your child. These can be small things such as saving water, recycling or switching off lights. Another way to empower children with solutions is to find inspiring stories, or climate activists who are making a difference, to open their eyes to the possibilities for positive change.
Do your research
Keep informed! Make sure you understand the science behind climate change, to be able to comprehensively, and clearly communicate that to children in a way that is not confusing or overwhelming. There are plenty of resources that can be used on this, such as these simple Climate Visuals. NASA have also created these helpful resources for children.
Approach sensitively!
As a child, thinking about an issue which affects the whole world, and the future of humanity is more than a little overwhelming! Always listen to their feelings towards the issues. You can’t singlehandly remove the fear of climate change, but you can help your child to compartmentalise it by giving them clear information, show them they are not alone in the issue, and encourage them to take actionable steps.
Encourage a sense of perspective
No one person can solve the climate crisis, and neither should children feel the burden to. Communicating that it’s making small changes, in a collective, collaborative way with other humans that can make a huge difference, is key to assuaging children’s climate anxiety. Striking the balance between instilling a sense of responsibility and care to the environment, without overwhelming young minds, is what we are aiming for!
Written by Maddy Gordon-Finlayson
