Helping our children understand the world around them and how we affect the environment is an important job for every parent. Your child will learn about environmental topics like global warming and carbon footprint at school, but parents can reinforce their classroom-based learning with activities at home. Read on for some tips from an independent school in Surrey on how you can help your child become more environmentally conscious.
Let them help with household tasks
Teaching your child about recycling while you’re sorting yours out is a great way to help them understand concepts like reusability and sustainability. Show them where to put different kinds of packaging and explain why they go in a specific area rather than the normal rubbish bin. You could even make a model out of your household recycling to introduce your child to the idea of reusing different materials.
Get them involved in growing fruit and vegetables
Giving them the opportunity to grow food themselves will show your child that not everything you eat has to come from a supermarket. It will teach them the principles of growing what you need and not wasting food, and they’ll love getting their hands dirty with digging and planting. They’ll also feel a sense of pride at growing their own food and incorporating it into meals.
Get outdoors as much as possible
Spending time in nature will not only give your child a mental and physical boost, but also allow them to witness how human activity impacts on the environment. You can discuss things you see, such as landfill sites or solar panels, and ask them questions to encourage their natural curiosity about the world around them. Taking a walk in the woods provides a great opportunity for your child to learn about wildlife and different animal habitats, and how humans have to respect the natural world.
Make use of games and TV programmes
Take advantage of screen time by introducing educational games or TV programmes on environmental topics. If your child is a visual learner they might find it easier to grasp certain concepts in this way, and it will complement their school-based learning by bringing the subject to life.
The most important thing we can do as parents to teach our children about sustainability is to practise it ourselves and encourage them to get involved. We have a responsibility to stress upon the next generation how important it is for them to nurture and protect the world around them.
