Great Green Idea: Green Parenting: The Next Generation: Teaching Green Living Values to the Very Young

The Next Generation: Teaching Green Living Values to the Very Young

Teaching green living values to the very young at heart is a wonderful way to set the foundation for raising a child that processes and uses green living values in every day living. The very young can be taught values and skills in the family home.

Babies

Babies take in all sorts of information from their world even at this very young age. Babies use all five senses sending and receiving information through their neurological systems processing information. Babies learn by watching their caretakers.

Toddlers

As young as age two, toddlers are very curious and highly active in processing information from the world around them. Motor skills are fine tuned during this time as well. Teaching toddlers during this time can be a very rewarding experience. Concepts can be introduced on a weekly basis using a variety of activities.

With each new experience, green living values can be incorporated into the thinking processes. Consistency is needed in teaching as well as patient efforts. Children during this stage will also start mimicking parents or caretakers, exploring the values they are living.

Young Children

As children grow and mature, they will be able to try new things under supervision. Learning about nature is always a fun way to teach earth friendly concepts. Eventually, children can also participate in watering flowers and taking care of plants.

Water conservation principles can also be taught during this age. Start with simple concepts and when the child is ready, build on the foundation. Adding additional learning opportunities can be customized according to the child's ability and understanding.

Young children can be taught to turn lights off when not in use as well as turn faucets off when done hand washing. They can also learn recycling techniques by sorting cans from plastic. They love to be involved in family traditions.

Modeling

Modeling to children is a moment by moment opportunity to impart values and skills. Children watch those around them, even when they appear to not notice. They are continuously processing information around them.

Growing a garden together as a family can also provide a modeling opportunity. As children are able to help, this will further enrich green living values within the child. Younger children can help by watering and taking care of plants as well as help to pick fruits and vegetables. They can also help with washing and preparing them for meal time.

Discussion

Discussion is a wonderful way to open a child's thought processing. Asking open ended questions according to the child's level will spark curiosity and help mature critical thinking. Talking to your child throughout the day also teaches communication skills. It will help the child to learn to verbalize and reciprocate understanding. What a wonderful way to teach children! Talking regularly about green living values, eco-friendly living and helping to make a difference to save the earth!