Talk about the environment without scaring children

It’s hard not to worry when you hear about climate change, forest fires, drought, melting glaciers or other disturbances of nature. But how do you talk to your child about the environment without scaring them?

“It is important to educate children about protecting the environment without scaring children. But we have to find a way that it is something positive for them. Saving the planet should not be placed on their shoulders. ”

It is indeed better not to be alarmist when talking about the environment to a child. “Approaching this subject by emphasizing the dangers may frighten him and make him experience anxiety,” says psychologist Lucie Gomes. In addition, the issue of climate change is too complex for a young child’s ability to comprehend. ”

Ecoanxiety is a term for anxiety caused by environmental issues. With the worrying news about the state of the planet and the importance the media places on it, more and more people are suffering from it, even children. A toddler who is Eco-anxious may have trouble sleeping, be sad, restless, aggressive, or even withdrawn. “It affects his well-being and interferes with his ability to function well in his daily activities”

If you live with eco-anxiety yourself, learn to live with uncertainty and maintain some optimism, advises psychologist Lucie Gomes. One way to do this is to take concrete action in relation to the environment. You will thus be in agreement with your values ​​and you will feel better.