Eco-parenting promotes climate change mitigation and adaptation capacities in childrenThis theoretical paper discusses the role of eco-parenting in building climate change mitigation and adaptation capacities in children. Eco-parenting is defined as “the process of promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social, financial, and intellectual development of a child in a manner that does not destroy, obstruct, or disharmonize the relationships between groups of living things and their environment.” Eco-parenting, while a form of ecological education, goes beyond imparting knowledge and giving instructions on how to live in a more sustainable way. It requires modeling pro-environmental behaviors and giving children opportunities to practice environmentally friendly actions and resilient behaviors.
Of the different parenting styles, the authoritative model is noted as being the most effective approach to eco-parenting. The authoritative style is a child-centered approach with high expectations for the child becoming a mature adult. Positive child outcomes associated with authoritative parenting include internal locus of control which is essential for developing agency in children and for building climate change mitigation and adaptation capacities. While some aspects of the authoritative parenting style have been questioned and/or criticized, it is still considered to be “the most beneficial model of parenting for children's and adolescents' development across contexts and cultures”. Other parenting styles – permissive, authoritarian, and uninvolved -- have been linked to negative outcomes for children.
The concept of eco-parenting is based on the idea that parents and caregivers play a critical role in helping children develop an understanding of and sensitivity toward the environment. Through eco-parenting, children not only learn to behave more sustainably toward the environment, but also develop a moral standing with respect for nature. Eco-parenting includes three basic aspects: (1) training children on environmental ethics, as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies; (2) modeling of pro-environmental behavior; and (3) seeking/buying of green or environmentally friendly products/foods for children. Eco-parenting begins at infancy and continues through young adulthood. A major goal is to help children “rise from climate change victims to active climate change actors.”
The skills needed for eco-parenting aren’t instinctual to parent. The skills must be acquired through education or training. Governments at all levels can recognize and support eco-parenting by enacting policies and establishing or sponsoring initiatives designed to educate parents and caregivers on ecological issues. The eco-parenting style also allows for mutual learning – that is, parents and children learning from each other about how to protect the environment and adapt to climate change.
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