If you’re reading this blog, you probably are aware of climate change. More than likely, your kids have heard about it, too, whether it be at school, from friends, or from the media. Naturally, kids are going to have questions about things that they hear. But how to talk to your kids about global warming without giving them nightmares?
1. Be age appropriate. Very young children (early elementary, preschool, and younger) might not be ready for the negative details. Focus on instilling a love of and stewardship for the environment by encouraging outside play and the three Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) in your home. When talking to older elementary students, use that same stewardship as a jumping off point for talking about how our actions impact the climate, and how climate change will impact life on the planet. Take action as a family, and spend time together outside. Pre-teens and teens are more likely to be able to understand the global effects of climate change. They’re also capable of more extensive dialogue on the subject and activism on the issue if they feel passionate about it. Show your adolescent the myriad of ways people are acting on behalf of the environment and encourage them to investigate further, write letters, change their actions, or participate in protests.
2. Be honest. Be armed with general facts to support your belief in the reality of climate change and humanity’s impact on it, and when you child has questions, answer them as honestly as you can. Climate change is real, and kids need to know that–you don’t need to gloss over what’s happening. At the same time…
3. Be positive. Let your kids know that there are adults working hard to solve the problems associated with climate change and that there is reason to be hopeful. Emphasize that this is a problem with a solution that we can all contribute to, children and adults.
4. Set a good example. Show your kids sustainable behavior by modeling it. Use both sides of paper. Recycle. Use CFLs. Use your sustainable practices as a teachable moment for your kids. While walking to a local store instead of driving, talk to the kids about why our transportation choices matter. When shopping for school supplies, have your kids look for the recycled content logo and talk to them about the importance of buying recycled.
5. Use books. Did your parents, like mine, use books for support when giving you “the talk”? Yeah, I was mortified, too. But it doesn’t have to be that way when talking about climate change. There are plenty of good books about the environment, and climate change books are popping up all over the place. Check out the books that Ashley highlighted, Jennifer’s new children’s book blog, or my review of climate change books for ‘tweens.
Have you talked to child about climate change? What tips can you offer?
[This post was written by Kelli Best-Oliver]