"How To Raise Eco-Conscious Children" by Uma CampbellWhat can we say about children? Ralph Waldo Emerson said that "A child is a curly, dimpled lunatic." If you're a parent, you might agree. Despite the messes, the noise, and the broken family heirlooms, you would never change anything about them. Indeed, they're crazy, restless, and excitable about everything. Above all, they're curious. And that's one of the many things you love about them!Let's explore the path of an eco-conscious child.As parents, teachers, and guardians, we introduce them to a whole new world. It doesn't take long to realize their curiosity and tremendous potential for learning.We see children adapt to their environment and begin to unravel the mysteries around them. As we observe all this, we realize that they are much more than "empty vessels".Along with their absorption of knowledge comes recognition of basic virtues, like compassion and empathy. They also have the capacity to understand their connection to life on Earth. As with any seed, it's our obligation to nurture them so that knowledge, wisdom, and virtues take root.In the context of parenting, few things are as important as protecting our/their environment. Besides the health and prosperity of future generations, recognizing the need to protect the world around us brings about other ideas, such as respect, and the preservation of our fellow human being. A universal belief in protecting the environment might even increase our reluctance to wage war. Being eco-friendly is a virtue unlike most others. It's pervasive, working its way into every facet of our lives, and potentially, the lives of future generations.So, how does one teach such a virtue? How do our kids become eco-friendly? Parents lead and teach by example. Kids learn from your examples (irrespective of whether they're good or bad). If you pick up a soda can in the park and place it in a recycling barrel, you'll likely see your kids doing the same thing. You're proud and maybe a little grossed-out at the same time.They may not even understand why they're doing it at first, only that Mom or Dad did it. It's a bonus if the parent expresses positive emotions while engaged these activities because, a child will mimic (or mirror) the parent's emotions along with the task at hand.To the child, the reasons for the behaviors they mimic won't be immediately apparent. Clarity will come one moment at a time, especially as they develop reading comprehension skills. The things you read will become a curiosity to them. Be sure to share and explain the things you read along the way."Make it a rule never to give a child a book you would not read yourself." ― George Bernard ShawKids Today...Some sources believe that society is currently rearing children who are inattentive to the environment. We hear a lot of chatter about perceptions of younger people, much of it focusing on millennials. However, statistics suggest that the trend is moving in the opposite direction, with signs that most children will likely be exposed to mentors and older siblings who reinforce the importance of environmental protection and preservation - even basing their purchasing decisions on those principles."Two-thirds of young adults (aged 18 to 34) say they're inclined to vote for a political candidate who supports cutting greenhouse gas emissions and increasing financial incentives for renewable energy, according to an online poll of 2,105 U.S. residents by the University of Texas at Austin. In contrast, just half of seniors (aged 65 or older) say they would lend such support." - Wendy Koch, National GeographicLeading and teaching by example becomes easier when it's part of a lifestyle choice, where every family member becomes accustomed to a routine. Whether it's conserving energy in the home, tending to the garden, or planning an activity on Earth Day, they all count as part of something bigger - something you can be proud of as a family.Your choices are driven by facts, with everyone's health and prosperity in mind. It means that there is no deception. There is no assimilation or brainwashing involved. There are no dogmatic underpinnings driving your actions. It means that challenges to this lifestyle are welcome, as long as they are rational and logical. In this environment, fear, uncertainty, and doubt, will not undermine your world view or that of your child. They will not become disillusioned when they finally leave home and have a family of their own. With any luck, the cycle can continue with their family.
