Want to raise nature-loving kids who care for the planet? Keep reading to learn how Science Moms empowers families to address climate change together.
Just an hour ago, I was hiking with my sons through fields of wildflowers near Crested Butte, Colorado. Surrounded by aspen trees and a sprawling lake, the hike felt more like a walk down memory lane, filled with the kind of conversations that shape young minds. Places like this create spacious moments of escape that leave an indelible mark on our souls, relationship to God, and connection with others.
Toward the end of the trail, my older son wondered why the hike made him feel better after being sick. We talked about how our bodies work—how things like endorphins and heart health can help us heal.
We want to see our kids think deeply about the world and prioritize protecting the places we love, but the questions they pose may not always have such easy answers.
Why are forest fires taking away so many people’s favorite camping spots? Because climate change is causing drier conditions, which results in longer and more intense fires.
What’s causing all these hurricanes? Fossil fuels are warming the ocean water, which heightens weather events.
My coach said that he’s going to have to cancel most of our football practices this summer due to extreme heat—why? Because the changing climate is increasing temperatures to dangerous levels.
Our call is to meet our children’s curiosity and confusion with empathy and information. The team at Science Moms, a nonpartisan group of climate scientists and mothers, exists to help families do just that.
The Science/Faith Divide
Some parents may hesitate to discuss science with their children due to perceived conflicts with biblical truth. While Scripture is infallible, scientific understanding is continually evolving. Yet, Scripture also reveals God's presence in the natural world—a world meant for our enjoyment. Science, while not the gospel, often unveils the Creator's handiwork, harmonizing with the biblical narrative.
For instance, Proverbs 17:22 celebrates laughter's healing power, a truth echoed in scientific studies linking laughter to reduced inflammation and improved immunity. Such overlaps between faith and science abound, affirming the compatibility of God's word and his world.
Studies also show that children are deeply concerned about losing the places they love, and their worries are justified. The overwhelming scientific consensus is that climate change is real, human-caused, and incredibly harmful. Acknowledging this reality with empathy can be the first step in addressing children's anxieties.
Parents can then encourage children to express their fears and concerns, clarifying misconceptions and sharing factual information. Family discussions about science can create a safe space to process emotions and seek God's guidance through prayer and action.
Small Steps, Big Impact
With shared concerns about the environment established, families can turn their attention to potential solutions. An outdoor brainstorming session can be a fun way to involve children in this process. It's important to emphasize that while individual actions matter, no single person can reverse climate change, avert unnatural disasters, or save all the endangered plants and animals. Such a burdensome goal can lead to being overwhelmed and discouraged. Instead, collective action, rooted in hope and faith, yields more sustainable and impactful results. Even in a world of insurmountable problems, the yoke of Jesus is easy, and his burden is light.
Families can explore various approaches, such as researching clean energy options or adopting eco-friendly habits like line-drying clothes. Older children can learn about the power of civic engagement by writing to elected officials about environmental issues.
Ultimately, the key is for families to support and encourage one another in caring for the earth according to their unique abilities and passions. With a hopeful and collaborative spirit, the potential for positive impact is vast.
The Power of Play
After addressing children's anxieties and outlining potential actions, we must remember to play. Exploring nature—whether through a leisurely hike through wildflowers or a sweaty game of beach volleyball—fosters a deep appreciation for God's creation. These experiences can nurture a love for the world that then fuels our concerns for its well-being. While we cannot shield our children from life's challenges, we can equip them with compassion and wisdom by spending quality time in nature and modeling care for the earth.
Play and recreation are not frivolous pursuits in the face of environmental concerns. Instead, they are acts of worship as we experience God's goodness and express gratitude for it.
By immersing children in the natural world, whether through sunset picnics in the backyard or rainy camping trips in the mountains, we cultivate a deep-rooted appreciation for God's creation. These experiences provide countless opportunities to explore, wonder, and learn.
While individual actions are important, collective efforts are essential for addressing complex environmental challenges. With that in mind, Science Moms offers valuable support and guidance for families seeking to make a positive impact.
By combining personal connection with intentional action, we can empower future generations to protect the places we love for the people we love. Join us.
