Anxiety is a common problem among both children and adults. It was only anxiety about one’s future, education, dreams, and goals. Although eco-anxiety is a long-existing phenomenon, it became widely apparent a couple of decades ago. Media reports have an undeniable role in elevating eco-anxiety among people.
The health of the environment has an irrefutable effect on living beings’ health conditions and mental states. Many feel stressed and depressed when viewing the state of the biosphere and the ongoing destruction. Children, teens, and youth are most affected by this, as they are concerned about their future.
Studies in this direction indicate that more than 70 per cent of children are worried about the climate and are anxious about their future due to climate change. Parents and teachers have the primary role of keeping the children motivated by boosting their morale.
We are discussing ways to help those kids with eco-anxiety. This article is expected to offer more insights into the child’s psyche. And what we can do to help them overcome this situation. At the same time, note that being eco-anxious is quite normal. In fact, it shows the child’s sensitivity and concerns for the world and the other living beings around them.
7 Tips for Helping Kids with Eco-anxiety
Parents and teachers have a significant role in the mental and physical development of kids. They can guide the children in the right direction and support them to achieve their goals.
1. Discussions on the Issue
All of us need a good listener to give an ear to our concerns, issues, and anxieties. Children are no different. They also want someone to listen to them. A person with whom they can air their views, vent their tensions, and relieve their mind. You must provide the space and ambiance for a productive discussion. Let the children talk, while you remain the organizer as well as the controller of the discussion.
2. Educate them about the Actions
Every issue we face has a solution. People require someone to guide them to the solution or suggest the best way out of a conundrum. Learning about the environmental concerns, the climate change scenario we are facing, and the consequences that can happen is important. More important thing is to identify the ways and means to prevent these adversities from materializing. The teachers and parents can propose solutions or help their kids to brainstorm and come up with probable methods. Considering mobile apps, books, and social media pages related to the issue might be helpful.
3. Organize Eco-friendly Activities
Organize eco-friendly activities in association with the kids. Let the thought that they are doing something to protect the environment permeate into their minds. Not only would it help to preserve the biosphere, but it would also foster a bond between the child and nature. The bondage would grow stronger as they grow up. Making them responsible citizens who think about the environment and work towards its well-being. You might not understand the positive effects of such activities. However, the result would be evident in a few years, as the kids grow up.
4. Encourage them with Gifts and prizes.
Encourage the kids to do environmental activities and generate an eco-friendly attitude in them. You can offer prizes for the activities they undertake. However, make sure that you are bestowing gifts on everyone. Since the left-out kids will feel bad. You can expect more cooperation when you give them simple but unique gifts. At the same time, you need not spend exorbitantly on gifts. And try to keep the focus on eco-friendly activities.
5. Empower the children
There is a lot to learn from the kids. Instead of giving them lectures throughout, listen and learn from them as well. People often tend to behave as super powers, and they dictate terms to the kids. Believe it or not, you can learn a plethora of traits from adolescents.
Also Read: 10 Effective Tips to Raise a Self-Sufficient Kid
1. Instill Positivity in their Hearts
A positive mind and an optimistic attitude are key for mental and physical growth. A kid with a positive mindset will accomplish greater feats in life than a normal or negative-minded one. Even though the news about climate change, environmental destruction, and issues faced by the ecosystem can be distressing, you can find some other positive information.
2. Spread Positive News
Most of the news we read, listen and watch is negative in nature. The excessive negativity around us can cause a pessimistic attitude. It is the responsibility of teachers, parents, and other elders to reiterate the positive factors of the world. Make sure that the kids receive positive news that would make their thoughts healthy. Let the news be about the environment, the world, or life. They may be taught about the equilibrium concepts of this universe. Making them understand that we can overcome negative aspects by remaining positive and doing positive deeds.
We can help your kids grow in a positive atmosphere free of eco-anxiety. To know more, call us now.