National Climate Week is a good time to reflect on climate change together 🌍️
The age at which you can discuss a topic like climate change with your children differs per child. If you are going to talk to your child about a topic that makes an impression, you can stick to the following 6 TIPS:
1️⃣ Talk open and honestly about the situation. Children see and hear that major changes are taking place in the world. Don’t say everything will work itself out, because that can make you feel like you’re not taking their concerns seriously or lying to them.
2️⃣ Provide confidence. Give honest answers to the questions your child asks, in a way that is appropriate for the age and perception of the world.
3️⃣ Ask open questions. What does your child know about climate change? You can talk to your child about it by asking open-ended questions such as “What would you change?”.
4️⃣ Accept and name feelings. Does your child feel anxious after seeing images of floods, forest fires or melting ice caps? Then don’t say, “Don’t be afraid.” With that you ignore the feelings your child has. Let it be known that you understand that your child is worried. It is really important to discuss the emotions your child is experiencing.
5️⃣ Learn how to care for the world. It is nice for children and young people if they can mean something themselves. By doing something themselves, they can turn their worries into something positive.
6️⃣ Give your child hope. It is important for children and young people to have a good picture of the future. That is not easy with all the messages about climate change. It helps if they know that many countries, companies, schools and citizens are working to ensure a more sustainable future.
Have you talked to your child about climate change before? If not, hope these tips have inspired you to do it! 💚
