The Rise of 'Eco-Anxiety' in Children

• The uneven terrain develops their vestibular and proprioceptive senses as they find balance throughout movement
  
  
• There are endless opportunities for small motor work (collecting rocks, pouring sand, digging in the dirt)
  
  
• They develop a richer vocabulary by describing trees, insects, birds, etc
  
  
• Creativity is sparked as children use simple items in pretend play - a stick can for writing, stirring, building, etc
  
  
• Connecting with nature can be deeply calming, helping children (and adults!) self-regulate more quickly
  
  
• Nature provides a rich sensory experience for children - they can touch, smell, see, and hear the elements of nature, which stimulates their senses and enhances their cognitive development

It's for this reason that Dr. Montessori considered the outdoors an extension of the classroom.

BUT there's a new benefit to outdoor time that educators are talking about - the development of environmental stewardship.

Many, MANY studies have recently been published, showing that it's common for young people to develop what is referred to as 'eco-anxiety'.

This is "the chronic fear of environmental cataclysm that comes from observing the seemingly irrevocable impact of climate change and the associated concern for one's future and that of next generations”, as defined by the American Psychology Association.

Turning 'Eco-Anxiety' into Advocacy

Stress can be helpful in mobilizing and motivating people to change... but too much stress and anxiety can also lead to feelings of hopelessness and denial.

• In Australia, a survey of 600 children between 10 and 14 years-old children revealed that “44% of children are worried about the future impact of climate change” and “one quarter of children worry that the world will end before they get older” (Tucci et al., 2007).

• A BBC Newsround survey that found that 70% of 8- to 16-year-olds reported feeling worried about the state of the planet (Atherton, 2020).

Older children can take actionable steps to help alleviate this anxiety, like talking about climate change (avoiding feelings of isolation) and using that knowledge to effect change (in age appropriate and accessible ways).

For Parents of Older Children

If you have children 10+ years old that are aware of climate change and want to empower them on environmental issues, these two websites are a great start:

Youthtopia - A place for all young change makers to learn about climate crisis, find community and uplift each other https://www.youthtopia.world/youthtopia-about

Force of Nature - This site provides free workshops and training to ensure that young people feel empowered to disrupt the status-quo. They also work with decision-makers to enable and lead intergeneration solutions. https://www.forceofnature.xyz/students