6 Ways to Help Your Child Deal with Climate Anxiety

As we approach the end of the year, now is a natural time for thinking about the months ahead. But for many children and adolescents, climate anxiety colors their hopes for the future.

More than 75% of young people surveyed about climate change said that they believed the future was frightening. When asked to describe their feelings about climate change, they used words like “sad,” “anxious,” and “powerless.”

In fact, only 5% of the 10,000 youths surveyed said that they “weren’t worried” about climate change. For families around the world, climate anxiety is very real.

Here are 6 exercises to help your family navigate climate anxiety.

After all, by taking action, you can show your children that they can make a difference. Learn more:

1. Join or support local or national organizations.

Research local and/or national organizations you’d like to support as a family. By discussing these groups and the work they do, you’ll shine a light on all the people working to make a difference. This can inspire hope, and be both inspiring and empowering for kids to see other people who are taking the initiative.

How you choose to support these organizations is up to you, so get creative! You can join as a member, protest together, donate, invite a representative to speak at your child’s school - the opportunities are endless.

2. Follow activists and organizations on social media.

There are lots of activists and organizations working to raise awareness about climate change on social media. Follow along to learn about important initiatives, hear from thought leaders, and tips to address today’s challenges with optimism and mindfulness.

While social media isn’t always a healthy place for developing brains and bodies, child- and adolescent-appropriate accounts like @sunrisemvmt and @350org do exist!

3. Explore opportunities to engage with your community about climate concerns.

Climate anxiety can spark feelings of worry, stress, fear, anger, and helplessness. These are all feelings we want to pay attention to. And chances are, your little ones aren’t the only ones in your community worried about climate change.

Start a healthy conversation with other caregivers and parents, as well as your child’s peers, to create a safe space to discuss these concerns.

4. Write to your politicians.

This is a simple activity that gets children of all ages involved. You can encourage your kids write letters to communicate their concerns and goals with local, state, and federal politicians. Younger children can draw a picture that illustrates their hope for the future.

Take it a step further by coordinating a letter-writing campaign in your community!

5. Develop a family climate action plan.

Don’t just talk the talk - walk the walk by developing a family climate action plan! For example, learn more as a family about the role of carbon in your life and make a plan to reduce your carbon footprint. Even small changes - like reducing the amount of single-use plastic your family uses - makes a difference. Stay focused on the positive and celebrate even small wins!

6. Share what you’re doing with others.

Your family can be a positive influence on others. When and if it feels right, you might want to share what you’re doing and support others on their climate awareness journey!

We hope these 6 activities help your children deal with climate anxiety.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please send a note to hello@littleotterhealth.com!