5 ways to cultivate a love for the environment in our children
The holidays are here and that means we get to spend time with family! Now, the next step is to think of what to do. One of the most popular activities among families is to venture into the outdoors. Exploring the outdoors has countless benefits for everyone. Spending time outside is an excellent way to connect with nature. Growing up in a country where space is limited and where lessons are mainly conducted in a classroom setting may limit our children’s ability to explore and learn by themselves. While for some families it might be challenging to get out of the house, your children won’t be able to resist if you make it enjoyable. So how do we cultivate a love for the environment in our children?
1. Start within your neighbourhood
Begin with simple and familiar experiences. Young children learn best through experiences that they can relate to when they are most comfortable and secure. Therefore, the best place to start is at the playground or park that is near your home. Another idea could be an adventure to explore the environment on their way to school or to the market. Give your children ample time to stroll – let them pick up and observe leaves, flowers, branches, rocks etc. Point out and name trees, insects, birds and animals. Let them go wild running after the birds or just squatting down to observe the ants crawl by.
2. Trips to see animals
Plan regular outings to the Singapore Zoo, Bird Park or anywhere that children can be exposed to animals in a place that is close to their natural environment. Make such outings are a regular part of their growing years! You can also plan regular picnics and outings to nature spots such as the Singapore Botanic Gardens or MacRitchie Reservior. Introduce your children to the joys of hiking. By introducing children to books about nature and wildlife, or animal figurines and toys, it helps to arouse their curiosity about animals. Children get even more excited about animals when they see the real life version before themselves at the zoo.
3. Focus on experience rather than teaching
Children learn a lot better through self-discovery and self-initiated activities. We should serve more as a facilitator than a teacher. Allow them to be hands-on to touch the environment, provided that they are safe, as they engage their senses to explore nature that is around them. Kick the bad habits of wanting your child to ‘watch and listen’ to you for any length of time, or to follow your lead or agenda in this outing. Focus on what your children find interest in rather than providing them with adult-selected activities.
4. Reuse and Recycle
Teaching our children the importance of reusing and recycling is so important, but the way to really instill this in them is by making it part of their daily lives. Drinking out of reusable water bottles, taking reusable produce bags to the grocery store, and even upcycling everyday items such as milk jugs will have a huge impact on how our children view the environment and how they care for it.
5. Flip the Switch
Many children leave the lights on and let the water run because they have no concept of conservation. Remind them to flip the switch and turn devices off when they are not using them. Teach them why conserving water, energy, and other resources is beneficial to the environment and what they can do to make a difference.
You cannot go wrong when using these five ways to teach your child to love the environment. Aside from making a difference in your child’s life, you are making a positive impact on the environment. Helping to cultivate a love for the environment in your child contribute towards conserving nature so that they can enjoy it for their lifetime.