Talking with kids and teens
What would help you to communicate with kids and teens about climate preparedness?
Have you checked out books to talk with your kids about climate preparedness?
Is your family ready? Do you have a plan? (p268-)
How can we help soothe eco-despair? (p228 - 246)
Stress relief: How are you dealing with the stress of climate preparedness?
How are you staying balanced?
Keeping things in perspective? Prioritizing health?
Not feeling like you are more responsible than you are?
Examples: Exercise, a dose of nature, news diet, deep breathing, the worry hour, creative outlets, therapy, dealing with deniers (p27-37)
Resource to share: Optimism balance (p560)
“So which should you feel? Depressed or hopeful? The informed answer is ‘A little or both.’” (p560)
Wrap up/Final Thoughts:
“The world of sustainability warriors is crying out for your help - and offering to train you for the job.” (p25)
Best response to eco-grief and anxiety is to get involved and take action
Find Power In Groups (p26)
Share some examples of advocacy groups
Examples:
Also, share an example of a local group like the CAN! Concord Climate Action Group or Climate Reality Massachusetts Southcoast
Resource to share: Climate Prep Week Toolkit Books for Youth
Highlight a book available at your library such as The Story of Climate Change by Catherine Barr or I Have Right to Save the Planet by Alain Seres or The Parents’ Guide to Climate Revolution by Mary DeMocker.