top of page

How to talk about Climate Change with Little ones!

Although climate change can be scary it’s still important to talk to your kids about it. Unfortunately climate change is rarely discussed in schools making it crucial that parents teach their kids instead. If we all teach our kids about climate change they will grow up with important knowledge, life skills, and a passion for helping the environment. Before you talk about climate change with little ones, consider the advice and information below.

Steps to talking about
climate change

The first step is to simply bring up climate change! Chances are your child is already thinking about it but dosen't know how to ask. It's important to break the silence because this can help reduce anxiety around the subject. 

Tips and Tricks

  • Consider reading them a picture book about climate change!

  • Talk about it outside on a hike, at a picnic, walking the dogs, or at the beach

  • Give your kids the basic facts 

  • Tell them about new improvements in technology or laws that will help the environment 

  • Encourage them to ask questions even if you don't always know the answer!

  • Be patient!

IMG_5154.heic

The second step is to think about what you want to say. Do you want to explain the science behind it at an easier level to understand? Do you want to mention how it affects animals, plants, and people? Do you want to explain how they can help or how their family already does? When thinking about these things consider how old your kid is and what they're already interested in!

Step three take time to talk about climate change. Make sure you have enough time for your child to express their feelings and ask questions. It's important to express how you feel as well because it can make your kid feel less alone. Allow them to process what you are telling them and make sure they know you are always there to talk about it. 

Books!

  • Old Enough to Save the Planet written by Loll Kirby and illustrated by Adelina Lirius

  • The Lorax by Dr. Seuss 

  • The Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge by Joanna Cole

  • Listen to the EARTH by Carme Lemniscates 

  • Something Happened to our Planet by Marianne Delano and Marietta Collins Illustrated by Bhagya Madanasinghe

  • Our World Out of Balance by Andrea Minoglio and Laura Fanelli

  • Climate Change for Babies by Chris Ferrie and Katherine Petrou

For Adults

If you are still feeling uneasy about talking about climate change with little ones consider reading a book about it!

  • The parents guide to a climate revolution by Mary DeMocker 

  • How to talk to your kids about climate change by Harriet Shugarman 

  • All we can save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine K. Wilkinson 

  • The Future We choose, The stubborn Optimists guide to the Climate crisis by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac

bottom of page