Information for Parents
Being a Parent in the Climate Crisis
As a parent, when we think about the climate and ecological emergency, powerful feelings can be brought up in us, as we worry about what the future might hold for our children. We may experience feelings of guilt and shame, fear and hopelessness.
We call this eco-distress, and whilst eco-distress is not a mental illness; if left unaddressed, these feelings can become overwhelming. It is completely normal to experience these feelings, and they play an important role in keeping us safe and signalling to us to take action.
You might also be wondering how to keep your child safe during extreme weather events caused by climate change, including heatwaves and flooding. UNICEF have a number of different emergency guides, available below
Is it Common for Children to Experience Eco-Distress?
Eco-distress is also experienced by children and young people. A global survey, published in the Lancet medical journal in 2021, found that 84% of children and young people were at least moderately worried about climate change
Talking to Your Child About Climate Change and Eco-Distress
Find a good time to talk to your child about climate change, in an age-appropriate way. Ask your child what they already know, what they think about it, and how they are feeling. Listen to what they tell you and take what they are saying seriously.
Avoid saying things like “there’s no need to worry” or “there’s nothing you can do”, as feeling some worry about climate change is normal, and there are climate actions that we can all take.
Find out more about how to support your child on the link below.