Influencing kids to love nature and help save the earth ain't that easy. Just like instilling discipline, it has to be done on a daily basis. Here's how I pass on my love for nature to my kids, aged almost 3 and almost 12:
1) Regular visits to neighbourhood park and nature parks
Whenever I have the chance to do so, I bring the kids for a refreshing and relaxing walk in the park. Whilst doing so, I get them to appreciate the birds singing, butterflies fluttering, flowers blooming and tree branches dancing in the gentle breeze. My little one nowadays marvels at fallen leaves, flowers and sticks. He even goes "wow!" whenever he sees a beautiful flower.
2) I let my older kid segregate rubbish for recycling
We are grateful to have a recycling bin down our block. I normally get my older kid to put old newspapers, plastic bottles, and glass containers in separate bags before I accompany her to throw it away in the recycle bins. Whilst doing so, I educate her why we need to recycle things and why we have to take good care of the environment.
3) I teach my older kid not to waste water, paper, and electricity every single day
Call me a nag but I really do need to remind my older kid not to waste so much water whenever she takes a shower, bathes or brushes her teeth, turn off the lights/electric fan/water heater/tv when not in use and use recycled papers for arts and crafts.
4) Start a green movement
This means we buy eco-friendly products like energy saving refrigerators, light bulbs and other electrical appliances, support eco-friendly services like Green Choice Carpet Cleaning, and bring our own bags when we go to supermarkets, malls and thrift stores. We also make sure to use eco-friendly bags whenever we go to Ikea or go to the beach and parks for a picnic.
5) Set a good example
The very reason why I became a nature lover is because my late father set a really good example to us when he was still alive. Papa planted so many fruit trees, coconut trees, paper trees, eucalyptus trees, vegetables, flowering and non-flowering plants in our backyard and frontyard. Although we didn't grow up with silver spoon in our mouth, we lived in abundance because of my papa's green thumb. We also learned to appreciate breathing in clean air and eating pesticide free homegrown vegetables and fruits because of him.
Thi is a good ground to train kids to be a nature loving person. I should do this to my son too :)
ReplyDeleteThese are great and helpful tips sis. My kids think that I am "Sirang Plaka" whenever I constantly remind them what to do lol but it is always our responsibility to teach them and to lead an example to them.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips on raising children to love nature. Discipline does not come naturally. It is the adults that should really instill these things to our kids. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's never too early to teach our children the real value of our nature. I'm a nature lover myself and I want them to know the importance of taking care of our environment
ReplyDeleteSound tips about keeping Nature awareness planted on your kids mind. Setting an example must be the first one.
ReplyDeleteNature plays a big important role in our lives. I have to agree with jo-anne, it's never too early to teach our kids the value of nature.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this wonderful tips, definitely going to try this at home.
ReplyDeletethat is one refreshing view :-) My kids loves the nature. It is because we live in the country side :-)
ReplyDeleteSetting a good example is the best way!: ) and I know you are indeed the best teacher when it comes to nature-love: )
ReplyDeleteNice ways to let the children nowadays know how to love our mother nature.
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