The Decibel How to talk to kids about climate change
Jul 9, 2025
Amberly McAteer, a contributing columnist for The Globe and Mail specializing in parenting, dives into the complexities of discussing climate change with children. She highlights the emotional challenges parents face while striving for honest yet age-appropriate conversations. The discussion emphasizes validating kids' feelings and finding ways to foster resilience and hope. McAteer offers practical guidance on empowering young minds to connect with nature and engage in positive environmental actions, all while addressing their concerns about the future.
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Avoiding Difficult Questions
- Amberly McAteer avoided answering her daughter's question about why the sky was orange due to wildfire smoke.
- She redirected her daughter with a rhyming game instead of explaining the harsh reality of wildfires and their impact.
Climate Talk Is Harder Than Others
- Climate change discussions with kids are harder because the truth is unsettling and unavoidable.
- Unlike abstract topics like death or the origin of babies, climate change directly affects their safety and future.
Parenting Amplifies Climate Anxiety
- Having children heightens climate anxiety because parents must constantly worry about their kids' futures.
- Amberly feels uniquely stressed by political inertia and ongoing environmental degradation impacting her daughters.