Having a baby is a great act of faith.
We believe, hope and pray that these precious little beings that we bring into the world will have a good life, that they’ll be healthy and happy, find work that they love, have loving relationships, discover their gifts, and be safe from harm.
Tiny as they are, we can’t help but imagine them as grown-ups 20 or 30 years from now.
But, when we look 20 or 30 years down the road, we also see a planet that is headed for disaster if things don’t shift.
As parents, it can be daunting, frightening, and overwhelming to think that we may be passing a very damaged, disturbed, and environmentally unpredictable planet to our children.
But the reality is that climate change is real. The argument is over.
Last year, here in the beautiful Kootenay mountains, we experienced a very hot, dry, summer, as did much of the British Columbia west coast. Fires raged in our forests and for weeks; the air was thick with smoke and dangerous to breathe.
Many of us knew families that had to flee their homes. It was on the radio and TV and all news outlets.
In fact, the experience we had last year is not just a one-time thing.
Almost every day we hear/see/read about one record-breaking climate change related event somewhere in the world.
As an adult, that news is very distressing.
But, how is it for our young children?
Our children hear our discussions, they hear the radio, TV, and the videos and podcasts.
Hearing about climate change can be very very scary for children.
Last year, when I wrote about climate change and children I spent a lot of time researching how to talk with young children about climate change. There wasn’t that much information about it.
This year, there is much more, and the message is still the same.
When talking about climate change with children, love is still stronger than fear.
What does that mean?
Basically, love motivates us to take care, protect, support, nourish, and advocate for whom and what we love.
As parents, we know that’s why we spend those countless days and nights, weeks, months, and years, caring for our children.
Research is showing that the best way to develop environmental awareness in our children is to instill in them a deep love of nature.
That means being outdoors and experiencing first hand the wonders and beauty of the natural world. Even if you live in a city, there are always pockets of green where you can go with your children.
Camping, hiking, playing at the beach, swimming in a lake or at the ocean, free play in the backyard, nature walks in the neighbourhood… the list is endless.
Children belong in nature. When they experience it, they remember it, and they grow to love it.
And as a result of being connected to and loving of nature, they will protect it.
We can actively engage our children in actions that empower them to protect the planet such as:
- Recycling,
- Composting,
- Growing our own food, even if it’s cherry tomatoes in a pot on a windowsill.
- Planting flower gardens.
- Turning off lights and electronics when we’re not using them.
- Driving less, walking and biking more.
- Using public transit.
- Passing items on to other children.
- Eating and buying local.
- Bringing our own bags when we go shopping.
- Going to and buying food at farmer’s markets.
- Attending gardening shows and seed exchanges.
- Picking up litter.
- Going to local stream cleaning or other reclamation events.
- Attending rallies and marches in support of the environment.
As you do these things, explain to your children that this is how we show our love for our planet. It’s how we care for our home.
When we show our children that they can do things for the planet, they feel empowered.
As our children get older they will hear more and more about climate change. They may well be frightened by what they hear. We can’t pretend it isn’t real, but we can instill in them the belief that we all have the power to make things better.
Many people believe that the world has reached a turning point in the acceptance of climate change and of the urgent need to halt the trajectory we are on.
The tireless and often thankless work of people who have a deep love and concern for the planet, who have spoken up when it was unpopular to do so, have changed the world’s awareness.
Each one of us matters. Empowered love can change the world.
Here are some resources for talking with your children about climate change, and the importance of experiences in nature.
The importance of access to nature for young children by Louise Chawla
Talking with children about the environment – Australian Psychological Society
Is climate change too scary to talk about with kids? – Clean Foundation, Nova Scotia
The importance of explaining climate change to children- GlobalCitizen.org
What Is Nature Play? – GreenHeartsInc.org
This Earth Day, think about what you and your family are doing and can do to slow climate change.
Be sure to go outside with your kids and delight with them in the natural world, whether it’s your backyard or neighbourhood park.
Check out what’s happening in your community on Earth Day and participate in Earth Day activities with your kids. Let’s keep our planet healthy for our children so they have the wonderful future we want for them.