Helping Children Become Environmentalists

As parents those of us who strive to be more environmentally friendly often do so in hopes that the world our children will know as adults will be a better place. We want clean rivers, fresh air, and a an abundant ecosystem that they can enjoy as adults. Unfortunately we are often so caught up in their future that we forget about the present. Helping our children learn to be more environmental now will allow them to move farther as adults in the goal towards a cleaner world.

For many children today the closest they come to nature is what they see walking from the front door to the drive way. More and more time is spent indoors, in front of a television or a video game. If we want our children to be passionate about the environment the first thing we have to do is let them fall in love with. That means turning off the electronic devices and going outside. The more time children spend outside in nature the more they develop a relationship with it. That early relationship can build the foundation of a lifetime of striving to protect nature. To quote the late Steve Irwin "I believe that education is all about being excited about something. Seeing passion and enthusiasm helps push an educational message. "

If you are actively working towards a better environment allow your children to join you. Let them come along as you take in recycling, let them help you clean up litter along side the road, or have them help as you plant trees at a local park. Whatever activities you participate in to be environmentally friendly should be shared with your children. When they see that you, and others, care about the environment and are actively working to better it your children will feel inspired to join. There are also many groups and activities that are geared just for children. Find a local volunteer group, or start your own, that allows children to work independently for the environment.

Often we can find ourselves so wrapped up in the issues that we can forget that our children might not have the same information as us. Take the time to explain to your children why you are choosing to do things a certain. Share with them why you use reusable shopping bags or why you turn off lights when you leave the room. When children know why they should do a certain action they are much more likely to participate. Find more information if they ask questions, you can even allow them to experiment on their own to see the cause and effect of certain environmental actions. Encourage them to make a chart of the water usage in your home and to try and find ways to lower it, or compare the garage output of your family when not recycling compared to when you do. There are many ways to help them understand why you do a certain action, and when they understand they are more prepared to join you.

These are just some of the ways to help your children begin to develop their own love of the environment. The more they feel connected, inspired, and educated on environmental issues the more they will strive to do in their own lives. You do not have to wait until your children are adults to help them grow as environmentalists, you can take the first steps right now.