Parenting Australia

Raising A Green Generation

I think we all know that our kids are not going to inherit planet earth in pristine condition. Our generation and those who have come before us have made some questionable decisions about the environment.

In an effort to make things right, parents are embracing all things eco and encouraging kids to do the same. We are talking to them about energy efficient light bulbs, recycling, environmentally friendly cleaning products, grey water usage, organic food and renewable resources. Don’t get me wrong – I’m all for those things. It’s just that these are abstract concepts for little ones to understand, and I can’t help but wonder if we haven’t skipped over the most important environmental lesson of all.
Catherine Oehlman

We want our kids to be the ones to turn things around. We want our kids to be the generation that saves the world. But wanting to save the world involves seeing and experiencing the world, and knowing that there’s something worth saving. Our kids need to spend time in the beautiful world around them.

Telling a child about the ocean is not the same as walking along the shore line. Kids need to feel the sand between their toes, peer into rockpools and smell the salty air. Without that experience, how can they understand why we shouldn’t pour chemicals down the drain?

Telling a child about the rainforest is not the same as letting them walk through one. They need to sense the drop in temperature, hear the abundance of wildlife around them and look up to see sunlight peek through the canopy. Without that experience, how can they understand why cheap chocolate isn’t always the best choice? (Unsustainable harvesting of cacao plants causes irreparable damage to the delicate rainforest ecosystem.)

The reverse is true too. We can show our kids a little of where things have gone wrong in the world around us. Telling them about landfill is not the same as visiting the local dump. It’s not the most pleasant experience, but I think kids need to smell the pungent odour of rubbish, see the senseless disposal of reusable items and be overwhelmed by the enormous amount of garbage we throw away. Without that experience, how can they understand why recycling is so important?

If you ask me, the best way to teach our kids about the environment is to get out into it! Having travelled around the world I am convinced that Australia has some of the most beautiful and diverse habitats on our doorstep. In one gorgeous land we have deserts, mangroves, forests, reefs, mountains, and more. There is so much to see, smell, hear, touch, and even taste in the different environments. As parents we can offer our kids rich learning experiences at a young age simply by visiting and valuing the natural world.

Which part of Australia are you living in, and where could you take your kids this weekend in your surrounding area? I’d love to hear about your experiences over in the discussion forum. Come and chat!

Catherine Oehlman is a SAHM currently being raised by a terrific toddler and a curious crawler. Her background in primary education, love of the mothering journey and compulsion for writing collide on her SquiggleMum blog. Cath encourages other parents from all walks of life to maximise the time they spend with their children.

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