Beyond Eco-Anxiety: Raising kids who care

If you’ve had a pulse in the last ten or so years, you’ve heard something about climate change. You know the story: continents of plastic, dead oceans, polar bears in trouble. It feels overwhelming, like nothing we could do could possibly matter. It inspires dread and fear, enough to have coined its own term: eco-anxiety. 

But before we throw in the towel, I want to make the case for small actions, especially those made thoughtfully in front of our kids. I remember being a child in the 90’s (yes, I’m that gen) and going with my mom, a science teacher, to recycle our bottles and cans. I remember that she told me it was important. I remember the campaigns to turn off the water while you brush your teeth (I still do that). I remember adopting a whale. (Hello, Spotty!)

And while the cynic in me knows that these little actions are not actually going to amount to much (that island of plastic is still there, even after a lifetime of recycling) I do know that these little ingrained actions have molded who I am, they’ve made me think, and they brought me to the place where I felt compelled to start Treehouse Circular.

So. Raising kids who care. It’s important. And every little action you take, your kids see and absorb with those amazing little sponge brains. So instead of giving into the nihilistic anxiety, take baby steps, stay positive, talk about why  the world is beautiful and worth taking care of. 

The next few blog posts will give you a few easy ideas for ways to show that you care. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing kids that it’s important to be thoughtful. They’re simple ways to practice sustainable parenting in Geneva, even if you’re short on time and money.

Let us know in the comments what your favorites are, what we’ve missed that people need to know about, and how it’s going raising kids who care.