Importance of Teaching Our Children to Respect Nature

Children are the future caretakers of the earth. Starting in childhood, they need to learn to take care of nature. However, teaching them to respect nature doesn't mean lecturing them. They will learn these values through good examples and experience.

Once children start to be aware of the world around them, it’s important to teach them to respect nature. Teach them to value their environment, and benefit from it without hurting it. In this sense, you should first explain that planet Earth is everyone’s home.

The health of the planet depends on how people treat it. It’s about taking care of all species and, of course, all human beings.

Teach Your Family to Respect Nature

The ethical and social rules that you learn from your family tend to stick with you. Taking care of the environment should be a part of your family‘s daily life. Additionally, these habits are passed on from one generation to another.

Plants

Sometimes, however, we might not set the best example for our little ones. We might pick a flower to put in their hair, or rip off a branch to use as a sword. The truth is, these small actions can really hurt plants.

If you have a garden or potted plants, your children can help water them. They can also help pick the fruits and vegetables when they’re ripe.

Nature walks can be a good activity to identify types of plants and give them value. They are living, unique, and beautiful things that play an important role in the environment.

Animals

You can use pets to teach children to respect life. They’re also good to teach them to establish relationships and affection with animals. Having pets is a great way for children to learn that they shouldn’t hurt or harm animals.

Another issue to teach children about is that some animals are in danger of extinction. Create awareness about them and actions you can take to preserve them.

Water

Water is fundamental for life on earth. When you teach children to respect nature, include the importance of water conservation. We shouldn’t litter in rivers, seas and lakes. You can also teach them to choose biodegradable cleaning products.

Camping

Family excursions or camping trips are great ways to connect with nature. On these walks, children can have contact with animals, plants and water. Besides being fun, they’re also great learning opportunities.

During walks or hikes, it’s always recommended to follow the trails. This way, you’ll help prevent soil erosion. You should also only camp in the places where they allow camping. This is good for the safety of both the campers and nature.

Trash

Everyone can work together. Children should be taught to throw garbage away in trash cans. If there isn’t a trash can, keep the trash with you until you can find one. The goal is to leave the place the way you found it. All living things benefit from these small actions.

Teach Respect for Nature by Recycling

Recycling is a habit you can instill from childhood. Children can separate trash and help figure out how to reuse things. Recycling can also be a game, since you can make toys with recycled materials as a family. Your children will learn very important values.

Shopping responsibly

There are things that, little by little, add to the need to conserve the environment. When you go to the supermarket, you can use reusable bags. This way, you can avoid using plastic bags that pollute the environment.

Buying local products is another good way to shop responsibly. The idea is to avoid causing pollution that transporting food generates.

You can also choose to walk when you need to go somewhere close. Then, you won’t cause pollution by using a car. Every action that you take helps form the personality and habits of your child.