Kids Can…Develop Environmental Empathy
The formula is simple, and the story has been written and rewritten a million times over. Take Scott Harrison from Charity: Water, who was so moved by his visit to West Africa that he was inspired to start an organization dedicated to providing clean water to people in Africa, and now, the world. Or the story of Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring, who was raised on a farm in Pennsylvania and went on to lay the foundation for the environmental movement of the 60’s and 70’s.
These stories share one common thread–empathy. Those inspired to make change connect with their cause empathically, by having immersed themselves in the environment they ultimately choose to support. Their drive and their accomplishments are sustainable because they are empaths.
- » See also: Grow Your Own Tree Hugger: 101 Activities to Teach Your Child How to Live Green
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When I think of children, a related question comes to mind: How do you foster environmental empathy? If a child spends his/her life glued to a television set or a computer screen, what is the probability that this same child will connect with the environment…and value the environment?
It’s a question that my parents asked of my sister and me. It’s a question I see my friends asking of their toddlers now. An undisputed fact, however, is the work of Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods and founder of the Children and Nature Network. Richard Louv discusses the importance of combating “nature deficit disorder”, and his work has spawned countless “Leave No Child Inside” initiatives across the US.
Both sites are an invaluable resource for identifying activities to help children connect more with nature. If you are looking for an effective way to raise the environmental consciousness of the children around you, the first step is raising their environmental empathy. Let Richard Louv be your guide.
Know something “kids can” do to help the environment? Know something that a “kid did” to make a difference? Send me an email: suneet@dream-village.org.
Image Courtesy nicoleta gramada via Flickr under Creative Commons License.
great questions… another question might be, if kids are going to watch tv and be on the computer, how do we encourage them to use those resources to explore the outside world?
I ask that question all the time - between TV, video games and the internet, I think many children are missing out on even just simple things like playing with other children in their backyard for example, something my brother and I did growing up. Great to know that people like Richard Louv are trying to combat this issue - and “No Child Left Inside” - that’s just brilliant!
Great post. Completely true, because, really, the only way to admire and respect the environment is to truly interact with and in it. And I hadn’t heard the “Leave No Child Inside” before - what a great idea! I’ll have to pass this along to my sister for her kids…
Thanks for a great post!
There are so many ways to get kids empathetic! Really creative ones. I know a mother who every birthday and gift-bearing holiday has found a way to get her children to donate some of their gifts with stories of kids without homes. Showing them how fortunate they are through books like Dream Village or travel is so important! Kids are visual creatures and they remember more than we think they do! Great post!
What an interesting and relevant topic! I agree that there could be some useful and interactive ways to develop environmental empathy in children through the internet. For example, what about online tools that give kids the opportunity to use objects from nature in a game or project? What if these games/projects are reinforced in a learning setting (school, after-school center, camp) and by parents? And, what if there are everyday objects that kids can purchase online so that they are learning about helping the environment and giving back at the same time (i.e. environmentally friendly bracelets, book covers, notebooks, pencils/crayons, etc.). I think there are definitely ways to make an impact in this area through ways that are fun and appealing to kids!
Great post Suneet. I bet this is particularly challenging for children being raised in very dense, urban environments like DC, NYC, and the like. Maybe they cherish more because they rarely get to be in nature and its a special treat? Or maybe they cherish less because it’s not as relevant to their every day life?
Great Post!!!
Kids these days are not engaging in outdoor activities as in the past because of video games and television. Probably contributing to the child obesity in this country. It’s good to hear that there are books addressing these issues.
This post made me think about those kids I know that are the most environmentally connected and aware - it’s not necessarily only the ones that grew up in rural areas, but those who took family trips to places that showed them the importance and beauty of nature - or those that had rituals like a weekly wlak / hike with dad. I think kids today will never completely replace their technology toys with outdoor activities, but their appreciation for nature can be developed through activities that they look forward to because it’s seen as a bonding activity and dedicated time with the family. Am glad people out there are thinking about this!
I think the problem resides in the introduction of technology at an increasingly younger age. Many children are more fascinated by a screen than by what they can actually see. In my school, computer instruction started in fourth grade or the tender age of 9, and for some students, even earlier before that at home. Ever since, technology has dominated our education and entertainment, creating a new culture without the importance of the environment. Schools, teaching subjects like Math, Science and English simply from a textbook need to integrate the environment’s significance in our lives in order for students of all ages to act and change our surroundings for the better. Awesome post sutibhai!
Great post to raise awareness about this topic. Environment and children - both of these are dear to me. Children learn what they see the adults in their lives doing. Parents and other adults in children’s lives need to take the time to foster love for nature by going on nature hikes, growing plants & vegetables, watching sunrise/sunset, etc. We are the role models for our children.