This is a collaborative post
With the state of the planet and climate change causing bigger issues than we ever thought possible, the time to raise an environmentally conscious child has never been closer. The good news is, raising an eco-friendly child who has love and appreciation for the environment is not very difficult at all. With the number of resources, tv programmes and activities created to motivate little ones, there is no excuse when it comes to helping them understand the importance of protecting the world that we live in. If you are in search of ways to introduce this lifestyle to your child, then look no further. Here is some advice from this boy’s school in Chorleywood, on how to raise an environmentally conscious child.
Set the example
The very first step to teaching your child anything is by setting an example. Children are like sponges and absorb every action and habit you practice yourself. If you are passionate about the environment and want to do your part to help, don’t be afraid to be vocal about it. Children are very intuitive and will pick up on your attitude towards everything. You can do things such as talking about the importance of saving the environment, watching tv shows that promote better treatment of it and simply practising acts that show your dedication and support. You have to understand that if you don’t practice what you preach, the importance and impact of your message will most likely not have a significant effect. Involve your child in small eco-friendly practices such as using paper straws instead of plastic. The idea when they are little is to create awareness above anything else.
Take them outside
The next step is to show your child what the environment is all about. Whilst tv shows and books are a great way to expand on knowledge and interest, being in the actual environment can create a deeper connection and love for the outside world. First-hand experiences are so important as they can be the reason your child changes their lifestyle for good. Activities such as hiking, a trip to the beach or even simply weeding in the back garden, are great places to start. Allow your child to experience nature and the rest will surely follow.
Where does our waste go?
Being fascinated by the garbage truck is a collective interest of children. They learn about the mechanisms of the truck but never what happens after the bin men leave. Talk to your child about the destination of the truck and how the waste is discarded. If they understand what this means for our planet, they may make a conscious effort to reduce their waste for the rest of their lives.