Children have a lot of questions. When they encounter new concepts or meet new people, they wonder about the reason behind words, actions, and interactions. As their primary caretaker, you are in an interesting position to help them understand important topics. But to make them understand any topic they are curious about, you first have to know how to explain it to their level.
If the topic veers towards climate change, here are some possible questions you may encounter, and how to answer them:
What is Climate Change?
The phenomenon is talked about enough, for good reason, that your child may encounter the term even when they are doing something different. It could slip into dinner conversations, be mentioned on television, or be a topic at school. When your child asks about climate change, the answer is simple: This is happening now across the world because the earth is unhealthy. Provide examples of the effects of climate change, such as wildfires and global warming.
What Leads to Climate Change
This one can be a lot to cover, but because you are talking to a younger listener, you may craft a story around the idea. In fact, there are pieces of literature that can help you explain what leads to climate change, and what its results could be. Dystopic bodies of literature, as well as some sci-fi novels, can be your best friend in answering this question.
What Small Steps Can They Do to Fight Climate Change
After you have explained climate change to your children, they may feel scared about the concept. While it is indeed scary, you can quell their fears by mentioning actionable items they can easily practice. Teach them to choose sustainable, to say no to non-biodegradable single-use plastics. Encourage them to be more efficient in their use of devices and appliances, and show them that individual change can make a difference.
The curiosity of children can be a weapon to help fight climate change. Educate them now, and teach them practices that they can carry on as they grow up.