The media bombards children with many terms that sound important and dire, but can be difficult for them to understand.

Issues like "Protecting the environment" and "Global Warming" are clear concepts to most adults, but even adults are sometimes challenged by the meaning of, for instance, "Fracking"! How can we help our children understand the ways in which our natural world is also "bullied" by people who abuse our earth, air and water?

Most importantly, how can we feel we have the power to help? Teach your children that being a friend to our earth begins at home, and that their actions make a difference!

HOW CAN WE HELP?

• Always use a wastebasket or trash can. Litter hurts the earth!
• Recycle metal, glass and plastic so it can be used to make new things.
• Try to buy products made from recyclable materials.
• Don't be a waster! Only use the amount of water, paper and food that you need.

Children learn from what we do, not just what we say. Has someone carelessly left a can or bottle on the beach? Remark on that person's lack of caring for the environment as you pick it up and throw it away together. Don't be afraid to let your child hear you "judge" people who pollute, and show them that cleaning up is everyone's responsibility, even when we didn't make the mess! Kids who learn these values grow up to be adults whose concern for the environment is as natural as breathing clean air!