Talking to Children About the Environment

Earth Day serves as a global reminder to care for our planet and promote sustainable practices. For parents and educators, it’s an important opportunity to introduce young children to the concepts of environmental awareness, sustainability, and respect for nature. While hands-on activities are commonly suggested to engage children in Earth Day, it’s equally important to focus on how to talk to children about the environment and create a meaningful dialogue about protecting the Earth.

 

Why It’s Important to Talk to Children About the Environment

Introducing children to environmental concepts at an early age helps them develop a deep respect for nature. While they may not fully understand complex topics like climate change or pollution, they can begin to grasp the foundational ideas of sustainability, resource conservation, and eco-friendly behaviours. Early childhood is a crucial time for shaping attitudes and behaviours, and children are naturally curious about the world around them.

 

How to Talk to Children About Earth Day and the Environment

The key to discussing Earth Day and the environment with young children is to keep the language simple, relatable, and positive

 

Use Simple and Clear Language

When talking to young children, it’s important to use language that is age-appropriate and easy for them to understand. Instead of focusing on complex environmental issues, simplify the message by focusing on tangible concepts they can grasp. For example, talk about protecting the animals or keeping the air and water clean. You can say:

• “We need to keep the Earth clean so animals can stay healthy.”
• “When we throw trash on the ground, it hurts the plants and animals.”
• “The Earth is like our home, and we need to take care of it.”

By using basic, straightforward language, children can begin to understand the significance of caring for the environment in a way that makes sense to them.

 

Explain the Connection Between Nature and Daily Life

To help children understand why Earth Day matters, explain how the environment connects to their everyday life. Children often understand concepts better when they can relate them to things they already know. You can talk about things like:

• The importance of trees: “Trees help clean the air and give us oxygen to breathe. That’s why we need to protect them.”
• Water conservation: “We need to use water carefully because there’s a limited amount, and it’s very important for all living things.”
• Recycling: “When we recycle things like paper and plastic, we’re helping to keep our Earth clean and saving resources.”

By making the environment relevant to their own lives, children will begin to understand the importance of their actions.

 

Use Stories and Books to Explain Environmental Concepts

Books and stories are excellent tools for discussing environmental themes with young children. Reading stories about nature, animals, and the Earth can help children understand abstract concepts in a relatable way. For example, stories that showcase how animals live in harmony with nature or how pollution affects the world can be both engaging and educational. You can also encourage children to ask questions after the story to spark conversation. Ask them things like, “What would you do to help keep the Earth clean?” or “How do you think we can help animals?” This can lead to deeper discussions about environmental responsibility.

 

Focus on Positive Actions and Empowerment

It’s essential not to overwhelm young children with negative or alarming messages about environmental issues. Instead, focus on positive actions they can take to help the Earth. Children are more likely to engage in meaningful environmental behaviours when they feel empowered. Emphasise the small changes they can make that have a big impact. For instance:

• Turn off lights when leaving a room to save energy.
• Use a reusable water bottle instead of single-use plastic.
• Recycle paper, plastic, and glass to keep waste out of landfills.

Praising children for their positive actions, like picking up litter or turning off water when brushing their teeth, reinforces the idea that they can make a difference.

 

Talk About the Importance of Caring for All Living Things

Children often feel a deep sense of compassion for animals and plants, so focus on how caring for nature helps protect all living things. Discuss the connection between plants, animals, and people, explaining how each one depends on the others to survive. For example:

• “We need to take care of our oceans because fish, turtles, and other animals live there.”
• “If we plant trees, animals like birds and squirrels can find a home, and we’ll have more oxygen to breathe.”

This approach encourages children to develop empathy for the world around them and all the creatures that inhabit it.

 

Incorporate Environmental Conversations Into Daily Routines

While Earth Day is a special occasion, promoting environmental conversations should be an ongoing effort. Parents and educators can incorporate environmental themes into daily routines to reinforce the message of sustainability and care for the planet. Here are some ideas:

• Talking about recycling while sorting out toys, food packaging, or paper.
• Discussing the weather and how it impacts plants and animals: “The rain helps our garden grow.”
• Observing wildlife: “Do you see the birds outside? They’re looking for food to survive.”

When environmental messages are part of everyday life, children internalise them more effectively, and caring for the Earth becomes second nature.

 

Sources:

• https://www.unicef.org/parenting/talking-your-child-about-climate-change#:~:text=Focus%20on%20solutions,or%20in%20your%20own%20community.
• https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/psychology-topics/climate-change-psychology/talking-with-children-about-the-environment
• https://cleanchoiceenergy.com/news/teach-kids-about-environment
• https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/first5forever/blog/child-friendly-ways-care-environment