Raise an Earth Loving Child

The problem in my opinion with green living when it comes to kids is that a lot of it is focused on safe BPA-free baby bottles, cloth diapers, non-toxic toys, and more. It can be very green gear related. However, while all that stuff does matter, what’s really super important is actually raising kids who like, maybe even love the planet. No matter how many green toys you buy your child, it’s nothing compared to the values your child gains from nature. A kid who is raised to love nature will be far more inclined to protect the planet when she grows up by keeping it green than a child who could care less because she was never exposed to nature.

To raise a child who seriously loves the planet you should:

Get outside often and actively: If you’re reluctant to go hiking, swim in the lake, or even take a daily walk, then your child will be happier in front of the TV. If you don’t care, why should they? You have to not only get your kids outside but make it a positive experience. Dress for the weather so no one can complain. Take along gear to make it fun, like a bag for collecting rocks and leaves or a sled. Go to places with diverse nature – the beach, the woods, a marshland, a wide field at a farm.

Use nature for fun Get books that highlight the benefits of nature. My son always liked rock collection books, and he’d want to go hiking to find new rocks. Do art projects that use nature, such as build a solar cooker, make sun prints, make holiday decor with leaves, and so on.

Talk about nature: Getting outside is key, but when you’re outside you should also be talking about it. Discuss why leaves change color. Comment on that trash you see on the ground. Bring up why all those new buildings take away from the land.

Join community efforts: A community garden, beach clean-up, tree-planting event, and more makes for a fun and memorable day and also teaches your child that nature activities aren’t all solo. You can hang with others outside too.

Make family vacations count: You can hit a fancy spa or hotel or you can combine nature and relaxation by using your vacations to camp or hike or even join a green event.

To learn more or to gather ideas about how you can get your family active and outside more often visit the following links…

• No Child Left Inside
• The Girl Scouts
• Children & Nature
• Nature Explore
• Camp Fire USA
• Earth Scouts
• 4-H
• Nature Rocks
• American Hiking Society

[image via No Child Left Inside]