Kids are ready to learn about the world around them at a young age, and there are lessons for every stage of their lives. It’s important to help kids love and care for the planet so they can carry those values into the world. Everything that we do has an impact on our environment and our health. By teaching children how to care for themselves and the environment you are laying the foundation for them to have a good future. Here are some lessons you should teach your children on preserving the environment.
Avoid Consumption
You can’t avoid buying something when it’s truly needed, but you can avoid consuming it for the sake of consuming. Teach your kids to reuse items when they can, to buy used goods, and to pass on items to others when they are no longer needed. If they are older you can teach them the harms of buying fast fashion or leather.
It’s also important for your child to understand the difference between a want and a need. It’s fine to want things, but constant consumption puts a strain on the planet and its resources. Teach your kids to prioritize what they truly want to purchase by weighing what that purchase does to the world around them. This will also teach them budgeting skills as they will not want to purchase goods that they do not truly need.
Get in Nature
It’s hard to appreciate all the environment has to offer if you’re never out in it. Take your kids outdoors to hike, bike, and simply observe the world around them. This builds a connection to nature that helps them become more invested in what happens to the planet.
For a fully immersive experience, take your kids camping. Louisiana state park camping lets you choose from a variety of locations throughout the state. Sleep under the stars and make memories that your kids will carry into adulthood. You can also try canoeing or fishing while you are out in the wild.
Plant a Garden
You don’t need a huge plot of land to show your kids the beauty of gardening. You can simply plant an herb garden in your kitchen. Choose native plants for your yard to bring in pollinators. You can even try a small, raised vegetable garden so your kids can see how their food is grown.
Choose fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are native to your region and teach your children about the different nutrients they need to grow. As different types of crops have different growth windows and soil needs you will want to explain the differences.
Whatever you do, teach your kids about the magic of seeds and let them get their hands in the dirt. Gardening has been shown to positively affect a child’s brain and body, and it helps them understand the importance of taking care of the world that provides for them. As an adult, they can be inspired to have a garden at home, increase their intake of organic foods, and save money on produce.
Feed the Birds
Make birdhouses, set out water, and find other ways to support the animals that live near you. This gives you a chance to explain habitats and why it’s important for us to take care of the planet. Your kids will see how they can positively impact everything around them, and they will also start to understand how our carelessness can harm other creatures.
Visit a nature preserve or another area where animals roam free. Keep a respectful distance, but teach your kids to appreciate and respect other living things. Talk to them about how every decision we make impacts creatures throughout the world.
Teach Them Survival Skills
If you are a family who avidly hike and camps you may want to teach your child some survival skills. These skills will be valuable in the event your children will need to use them. This can include how to start a campfire, how to filter water in a river, and more. Teaching them first aid is also essential when out in the wilderness.
Embrace the Seasons
It’s normal to have a favorite time of year but teach your kids to embrace traditions in every season that are centered around nature. Find ways to live sustainably throughout the year, and have things to look forward to as the year passes.
Winter is a great time to look for animal tracks in the snow and leave out birdseed for creatures who might not do well in the cold weather. Spring is the perfect time to plant your garden, and summer can be used for hiking and swimming. Fall is perfect for foraging, camping, and checking out the constellations in the night sky.
By having traditions related to nature throughout each season, you teach kids that it’s never a bad time to be outside. Just wear the right clothes and get outdoors.
Be the Example
One of the best ways for kids to learn is by seeing a good example. Make sure you are taking care of the planet so your kid can see how. Pack reusable bags so you don’t have to use plastic. Choose items that can be reused instead of items that are discarded after one use. Ride a bike or take public transportation when possible. If somewhere you need to go is close by, take them for a walk.
Kids who see their parents considering the planet in their daily lives will find it easier to copy that behavior. They will also understand the difference it can make and children often try to model what their parents do.
Teaching About the Environment
If we do not reverse the effects of global warming, our children may not have a future to look forward to. By teaching them environmentally conscious habits, and teaching them how to live off the land they will be better equipped for life as an adult. Teaching your kids about environmentalism is a daily task that can also be fun and rewarding for the whole family.
