Chapter 7. Conclusion

Throughout this guide, we’ve seen that climate-related emotions are not only natural – they can even be constructive. Feeling anxious or concerned about global warming is a sign that your child cares deeply about the world. Research shows that a large majority of young people are worried about climate change (1), but with your support, those worries don’t have to lead to despair. In fact, acknowledging and addressing these emotions can strengthen your child’s climate resilience – their ability to adapt, cope, and even thrive despite the uncertainties ahead.

One of the most important takeaways is the power of simply being there for your kids. Time and again, experts emphasize that what children need most is a “secure attachment” with caregivers – a safe emotional anchor in a world that can feel out of control (2). By listening to your child’s fears without judgment and assuring them that it’s okay to feel what they feel, you send a critical message: You are not alone. A recent Canadian study found that children whose parents acknowledged their climate worries were more likely to develop healthy coping mechanisms (3). In other words, when you take your child’s concerns seriously, you’re already helping to lighten their emotional load.

Lead with empathy and honesty. Start conversations by hearing your child out. Ask open-ended questions and let them express anger, sadness or confusion. As Louise Chawla (a researcher in child environmental psychology) notes, the key is to listen in an open-ended way and “let there be space for kids to express their emotions” (4). Whether your child is upset about a frightening news report or disappointed by a canceled outdoor play day due to wildfire smoke, acknowledging their feelings validates their experience. It can be as simple as saying, “I can see why this makes you worried; it makes me worried too, but we will get through it together.” Your calm, attentive presence is a source of comfort and security for your child. This steady support forms the bedrock of their climate resilience and mental well-being.

Turn anxiety into action. One empowering insight from this guide is that action is the antidote to despair. When we feel we can do something, however small, we regain a sense of control. Encourage your child to channel their eco-anxiety into positive actions, and join them in the effort. Family activities that care for the environment not only make a difference to your community, but also show your child firsthand that they have agency. Even small actions help. You might start a weekly tradition of biking or walking instead of driving (4), planting a tree or a pollinator-friendly garden, or doing a neighborhood litter cleanup. Such simple acts, done together, reinforce a commitment to the environment and alleviate feelings of helplessness. Working side by side with others can melt away a child’s sense of powerlessness by reassuring them they’re not alone and that they can be proactive (4).

As your family’s confidence grows, consider branching out into the community. Perhaps your teenager wants to attend a climate rally or join a youth environment club; going with them or helping them get involved shows that you take their passion seriously. Advocacy and community engagement are powerful for building hope. Being part of a group – whether it’s a local “green team” at school, a scouting group focused on nature, or a family-oriented climate action circle – reminds young people that many others care about this, too. The collective energy can be truly uplifting. One Canadian parent explained that working with like-minded families “helps to keep hope alive” because everyone pulls together toward solutions (5). Indeed, when your child sees community values in action, it counteracts the isolating effect of climate anxiety. They realize, we’re in this together, and together we can make a difference.

Keep the conversation solution-focused. Earlier in this guide we discussed the importance of hope – not false optimism or “rose-colored glasses,” but realistic hope grounded in action and solutions. This forward-looking outlook is something you can weave into regular chats with your kids. Acknowledge the problems, but also spend time discussing what’s being done to fix them. You might share age-appropriate success stories: for example, a new local park or wetland being protected, an endangered species making a comeback, or an exciting clean energy project in Canada that gives you optimism. Remind your kids (and yourself) that smart, caring people all over the world are working on climate solutions. As one child psychologist advises, reassure your child that it’s not their problem to solve alone – many people, including scientists, community leaders, and young activists, are taking action (6). Showing your child positive news or breakthroughs (like innovative renewable technologies or climate policies that are helping) can inspire them and counterbalance the doom-and-gloom narratives. This doesn’t mean minimizing the challenges; it means illuminating the path forward so the future doesn’t look so dark.

Crucially, lead by example. Children take cues from how the adults around them respond to stress. By managing your own eco-anxiety in healthy ways, you model resilience. It’s okay to admit to your kids that you also feel worried or upset about climate change sometimes – this normalizes their emotions. But follow up by demonstrating coping strategies: “When I feel overwhelmed, I like to go for a nature walk or do something helpful, like sorting our recycling or writing to our MP about climate action.” Show them how you balance concern with constructive action. When you make sustainable choices as a family (from what you buy to how you travel), talk about why you’re doing it. Emphasize that these choices are a source of pride and purpose, not a burden. Perhaps most importantly, show your kids that you haven’t given up – you still believe in a better future. Your hopeful outlook will be contagious. Remember, hope is learned. By seeing you confront problems with courage and optimism, your child learns that they can do the same.