Talking to Your Child About World Health Day: Inspiring Positive Action

A couple of years ago my son came home from school very concerned about the planet. He had been learning about global warming and it had frightened him terribly. He told me that the earth was falling apart, that humans are causing the floods, the droughts and the animals to die. He was very upset by it all and I was unprepared on how to discuss this important topic with him. I’m passionate about ensuring my children are educated on these critical topics, whilst also acknowledging that a level of care is required when dealing with young, fragile minds. 

As we approach World Earth Day on April 22nd, a day to promote awareness and action for the health of our planet, I thought it helpful to share some tips about how to talk to your child about World Earth Day in a positive and engaging way, without causing alarm or anxiety.

Avoiding alarmist language:

It's important to talk to your child about the environment and how to take care of it, but without using language that is too scary or overwhelming. Instead, use positive language that inspires action, such as "taking care of our planet" or "creating a healthy planet." Using World Earth Day as an opportunity to have this discussion allows for a positive conversation given the purpose of this day is to appreciate the natural world and to think about how we can protect it for future generations.

Engaging your child in age-appropriate ways:

Getting your child interested in World Earth Day can be as simple as planting a garden, going for a nature walk, or making healthy snacks together using locally-sourced ingredients. You can also create a nature journal, learn about recycling, or make a birdhouse. Tailor activities to your child's interests and abilities to keep them engaged and excited.

Making it a family affair:

Celebrate World Earth Day as a family by making eco-friendly choices a part of your daily routine. Bike or walk to school, reduce waste, or turn off electronics for a set period of time each day. Setting a good example for your child and making eco-friendly choices a priority can be fun and meaningful for the whole family.

Understanding sustainability:

Explaining sustainability to your child is a great way to help them understand the importance of making eco-friendly choices. Use simple examples like planting trees or recycling for younger children, or explain the environmental impact of fast fashion and the importance of reducing waste for older children.

Choosing sustainable fabrics:

When it comes to clothing, choosing sustainable fabrics like bamboo, organic cotton, and recycled polyester can make a big difference in reducing the environmental impact of clothing production and supporting fair labour practices. You can share how you may choose high-quality, sustainable items that will last longer and have a lower environmental impact, and encourage your child to take care of their clothes and avoid fast fashion trends that contribute to waste and environmental damage.

Getting involved:

Participating in sustainability efforts in your community can be a fun and meaningful way to get your child involved. Consider participating in a beach clean-up or planting trees, and emphasize the importance of working together to protect the environment and create a better future for all.

Talking to your child about World Earth Day is an important way to inspire positive action and promote awareness of the environment. Emphasize the importance of making sustainable choices, and choose activities that engage your child and get them excited about protecting the natural world. Celebrating World Earth Day as a family can be a fun and meaningful way to inspire positive action and make a difference in the health of our planet.

I’d love to hear any and all of your ideas on how you intend to celebrate and discuss this important topic with your family. Please email them to me or share them on our blog so all of our wonderful community can enjoy 🙏🌎🌱

Vanessa