Parenting means explaining to children what we do and why, and how our actions affect others and the world. This is the only way we can develop empathy in our children and instill healthy habits in them. Teaching our children to take responsibility for the world around them is also one of our greatest responsibilities for the future of our children and our planet. Especially in recent years, when the negative impacts of human-caused climate change increased, it still is has become more important to promote the environmental awareness of future generations. It's also important to remember that children are never too young to learn the importance of sustainability or adopt pro-environmental habits. The problem is, sometimes it's hard to know where to start. Here are some tips you can follow to raise eco-conscious kids and become a green family. Exemplify good behavior:
Raising green kids starts with you!
As a parent, you have the greatest impact on your child's life. But remember that it's always better to show children than to lecture them on subjects. Therefore, try to show the children sustainable practices in action. If your child sees you recycling or caring for plants, they will consider these behaviors normal. It can also be an opportunity to go shopping together so your child can observe your shopping habits. You can choose organic clothing when shopping and explain how important it is for the environment and human health. When shopping for groceries, you can choose bulky fruit and veg instead of plastic-wrapped ones, comparing products not only on price but also on how sustainably produced they are. Or you can involve your children in the kitchen. This can help inspire a lifelong love of cooking and eating healthy food, as well as an appreciation for the environment. Spend time in nature: Make time in nature a daily ritual. In this way, your children will develop an appreciation for everything that occurs in nature and they will also learn about environmental protection and sustainability. Another way to encourage your children's love of the outdoors is to find fun activities that the whole family can do together. For example, you could go hiking or camping together. Or you could take a nature trip to see birds or butterflies. These activities are not only fun for adults, but also introduce children to different aspects of nature that they may not have seen before.
Read books about sustainability:
One of the best ways to teach your kids the importance of being eco-friendly is by reading books about climate change, protecting our planet, and sustainability. As a Walkiddy, our Wonderland book, inspired by our AW22-23 season patterns, can be a fun and educational way to teach your little ones about sustainability. Encourage them to recycle and reuse: Recycling can reduce waste, help the environment and make your household less dependent on fossil fuels. Teaching your kids about recycling and upcycling is an essential part of encouraging a love of nature. Ask your kids to help you recycle household waste, and talk to them about where trash goes and why recycling is better than sending it to landfill.
Pay attention to energy at home:
The long time your children spend at home is a very good opportunity to teach them about sustainability. For starters, you can remind them to turn off the lights when they leave a room, not waste water when brushing their teeth, and not leave their devices on the charger longer than necessary. You can also use timers at home to keep your child from wasting water and electricity. Take care of plants and animals together: Teaching your children how to take care of plants and animals is an important part of raising environmentally responsible children. Growing a plant with your child or adopting a pet is a fun way to strengthen your child's bond with the world around them. Caring for plants and pets gives children a sense of responsibility and encourages empathy. This can help anchor the love of nature in their hearts and connect them to our planet in a special way. Volunteering together: Ermuti
