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| Climate Classroom > Talking to Kids about Global Warming | ||
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A Parent's Guide to Talking to Kids about Global Warming
"If we want children to flourish,
News about global warming is everywhere—in the newspaper, on TV and the radio, even at the movies. It’s hard for grown-ups to sort out what’s true and what we should do about it. For kids, it can seem even more complicated and scary. Is your child wondering what global warming is? Or worrying about the consequences?
Here are some tips to help you talk about global warming together now—and to equip your child to better understand and deal with the issue in the future.
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Global warming is the largest environmental problem humans have ever faced. Solving it is a vast responsibility to place on the next generation. Our responsibility is to prepare our children for it—and to hand it over only when they’re ready. Preschool/Early elementary: This is a time for children to explore the immediate environment (backyard, neighborhood, nearby parks) in a way that is hands-on and full of joy. It’s not a time for them to worry about environmental tragedies. There’s no need to bring up global warming if your child doesn’t ask about it. If he or she has questions, by all means address them—but keep your answers brief and basic. Assure your child that grown-ups are working hard on solutions. The very best thing you can do as the parent of a very young child is to foster in him or her a strong, positive connection with the natural world. This builds a foundation for caring about global environmental problems later in life. (For ideas and resources to connect your child with nature, visit http://www.greenhour.org/.) Upper elementary: As their ability to think abstractly increases, older children will be able to discuss global warming in more depth. This is the time to talk about your child’s questions and ideas, model your own interest in learning more about the issue, and take concrete action to fight global warming as a family. At the same time, continue exploring and enjoying your own environment! Programs at local nature centers, hikes, fishing and camping trips, and other outdoor activities all foster care for the planet. Middle school and beyond: Now is the time when children’s capacity to understand complex scientific concepts and global perspectives is expanding. As it does, so will their concern about the impacts of global warming on people and wildlife around the world. Encourage your child to continue exploring the issue—and to delve into the aspects that especially interest him or her. Provide opportunities for your child to clarify and express his or her own views. In addition to taking action at home, engage your child in community projects to fight global warming (such as restoring wildlife habitat, conserving energy, and building awareness about climate change).
3. Answer questions. To effectively answer your child’s questions, it’s important to be informed yourself. This site—www.climateclassroom.org—is a good resource for child-friendly information about global warming. If your child stumps you, try to find an answer together!
5. Don’t burden them. Children didn’t create this problem, and it’s not fair to tell them that they’ll be solely responsible for solving it. Let them know that many, many grown-ups are working hard to resolve it—and be part of the solution yourself by making changes in your own life.
6. Think positively. Children are naturally optimistic. We’ll need every drop of that optimism to tackle global warming successfully—so be sure they keep it! Emphasize that it’s not too late. People have caused this problem, and people, working together around the world, should be able to solve it. It’s exciting to be part of such a large movement.
8. Empower action. Provide opportunities for your child to take action at home. Seek out positive steps you can take as a family. Whenever possible, keep it local and tangible, with visible results. For instance, your child may be concerned about polar bears in the Arctic. Acknowledge that they are in danger, but then suggest that you help out with a habitat restoration project that will benefit wildlife in your own neighborhood.
* * * * * Looking for answers to common kids’ questions about global warming? Want to know how your family can take action to help stop global warming?
Illustrations by Jack Desrocher
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1. Be age appropriate. 
2. Let your child guide the conversation. Listen carefully to his or her questions and concerns. It may be hard to hold back, especially if you know a lot or are passionate about this subject, but it’s important not to overload your child with information he or she isn’t ready for. 
4. Diffuse fear. There’s no doubt that global warming and many of its projected impacts are scary. If your child is anxious or upset by what he or she has heard, acknowledge these fears. Then try to diffuse them by steering the conversation toward solutions. 
7. Invite participation. Explain that solving the problem will require some big changes—in society and also in our own daily lives. We’ll need to rethink many things, from the way we get energy to the way we build our houses and get around. Simply turning off the lights won’t solve the problem. But everyone can play a part in turning the tide.