As the saying goes, children are our future, so it’s important to teach them about the planet they’re going to inherit. Kids this day and age, spend far too much time in front of televisions and computers or glued to the newest hand held gaming device. Children need to be aware of the current crisis Earth is facing with global warming and pollution, but how do you go about it without scaring your child or without downplaying the situation?
Since they’re in front of the computer already, introduce them to kid friendly sites that teach about the environment. Action For Nature has lots of helpful links and games for children to enjoy.
One of the best ways to get your kids to care about nature is to get them out in it. Visit state and national parks and centers. Sign up for community clean up events. Take walks around your neighborhood and teach them about local flowers and trees.
One of the best ways is to bring nature closer to home. Build a bird house together, or plant a tree or a garden. Having their own section of the garden to plant and tend to will teach kids responsibility and fill them with pride when they see that their plants are thriving due to their care. If you don’t have a back yard, a window box full of herbs and flowers work just as well.
Bring nature to school. More and more schools are planting their own gardens or are involved with community gardens. If your child’s school does not have a gardening program, try talking to other parents and teachers about starting one.
Remember, environmental awareness starts with you. Your enthusiasm and respect for nature will be infectious as your children look to you, their number 1 role model.
