In today’s world, many kids are feeling anxious about climate change, and for good reason. Melissa Fortenberry from Austin, Texas, has seen her children’s outdoor activities impacted by extreme heat. Her son, Sam, 16, finds these changes alarming. “I’ve had games moved because it’s too hot,” he shares. He’s not alone in his fears.
A study from Simon Fraser University reveals that young people up to 19 often experience strong emotions like fear and anger related to climate change. In fact, over 85% of young people aged 16 to 25 across multiple countries express concern about this issue. Many report that their worries affect their daily lives, leading to feelings of sadness or frustration.
Interestingly, while kids are worried, they often don’t talk about their feelings. This silence can make their anxiety worse. Parents can help by encouraging open conversations. Understanding what kids feel about climate change is crucial. Judy Wu, a researcher at Simon Fraser, notes that emotions like eco-anger can motivate positive actions, while eco-anxiety doesn’t necessarily do that.
Elizabeth Pinsky, a pediatrician, emphasizes the importance of talking openly with children about climate change. She notes that children are often aware of the problems, even more than we might think. Having transparent discussions can help them feel less isolated in their worries.
Another expert, Leslie Davenport, highlights that kids might signal their distress in various ways, like changes in mood or avoiding discussions about the future. Instead of forcing them to talk, parents can create a relaxed setting through shared activities like watching nature documentaries. This approach can make it easier for kids to express their fears when they feel ready.
Kids living in areas directly affected by climate change might feel pressured to be “brave.” It’s essential for parents to create a safe space for them. Engaging kids in family preparedness activities, such as creating emergency kits, can foster resilience while making them feel involved in solutions.
When discussing climate change, timing matters. Casual settings, like walks or car rides, can encourage kids to share their thoughts. It’s also helpful to ask open-ended questions about what they know. This way, parents can gauge understanding and guide more in-depth conversations based on the child’s lead.
To ease their eco-anxiety, kids can be engaged in positive action. Simple family activities, like conserving energy at home or participating in community clean-ups, can empower them. For instance, challenges like conserving the most water or creating bird feeders can foster a sense of accomplishment and connection to the environment.
Bringing climate change into schoolwork can also be beneficial. Choosing topics related to environmental solutions for projects can help kids understand that positive change is possible. Positive stories about renewable energy and wildlife recovery can inspire hope rather than despair.
Ultimately, climate action needs to be a continuous part of family life. Pinsky suggests this ongoing commitment reassures kids that they are not alone in facing these challenges. Melissa’s example is inspiring; she turned her concerns into action by starting a company that monitors heat for athletes, thus helping Sam feel more hopeful and empowered.
In summary, engaging with children about climate change can be challenging but essential. By fostering open conversations and providing opportunities for positive action, parents can help ease their children’s fears while encouraging them to contribute to solutions.
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Climate-Change, Simon Fraser University, Simon Fraser, Leslie Davenport
