As Earth Day approaches, let’s talk to our children about the importance of ethical citizenship. Start by introducing the environment as a topic of everyday conversation in your house. Empower your child that their actions can make a difference in making their world a safer and better place to live. Reena B. Patel (LEP, BCBA) renowned parenting expert, licensed educational psychologist, board-certified behavior analyst, and author of shares tips on how to make Recycling, Reusing, Reduce fun.
TIPS:
- Introduce the importance at a young age, model it, and make it fun.
- Identify ‘Trash Day’ and the different bins you put outside for weekly pick up. Start with what goes in where….(paper, glass, plastic, etc.). Have your child draw them on paper. When they are seen in a visual on paper, they can identify, relate to and retain their shapes, colors and uses better.
- Craft it out. Share the importance of reusing and recycling household items by making it into art and play. This process also encourages re-use, develops imagination, and promotes creativity.
- Where does trash go? Show them and discuss this. Ask your child how can we manage waste? Use a recycled water canister, use a washable cloth vs paper napkin etc.
- Teach a concrete lesson on how to use less. For example, we all take more than we need on our plate. Teach by starting with small portions and then if we want more we take more. So, we don’t waste.
- Keep plastic bags to reuse again and again or use reusable grocery bags so you don’t get the extra charge too. Help your child choose school supplies, like notebooks and pencil cases, made from recycled goods.
- Look up the recycling guidelines in your family, print it out and post it near your kitchen. Spread awareness within your community. Make a scavenger hunt to look for items to pick up, beach ocean up, etc.
- Upcycle! Look for items in your house with your kids that you can donate so others can reuse.
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