Hello,

I have two young kids and lately, I am having a lot of anxiety and sadness thinking about how the current climate crisis will affect them.

I also have regrets because I decided to have children while knowing about the climate crisis. At the time, I was optimistic, but no so much anymore.

It has been hitting me hard the last few days. How do you cope/deal with this as a parent?

Thanks

  • kudra@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    6·
    4 days ago

    It’s hard. I am enmeshed in modernity fairly thoroughly but I am trying to do better. I have an EV heat pump and all electric house, I try to find others that are also aware of how bad things are likely to get in future, I am doing National Tree Day every year and also growing veges and fruits and herbs at home, and I am trying to limit exposure to and use of plastics (but that is so damn hard unless plastics become illegal…)

    Being aware and using that awareness to try and change behaviour is a big focus. But also, don’t be too hard on yourself. We were born into this mess too, we didn’t create it in one generation, and it is likely to be a slower decline from a human perspective rather than instantaneous, though on geological scale it’s basically a blink of an eye. I was super scared of global warming and nuclear war as a kid, and while risks of both have increased I’m still alive and even with a choice to reduce use of certain things, I think I still have a great life, and my daughter has so far too.

    • Nutbolt@lemmy.world
      4·
      5 days ago

      Agree with this. It’s hard but just do what you can. If fortunate enough, an EV, and a heat pump. Solar and or a battery. Apart from helping the environment (and I feel better about my excessive power use when it’s mostly from solar), it’s something physical to show the kids and talk about.

      For nature, as kudra says, plant some veggies and herbs. Even in a city you can grow a lot in a small space, or balcony. With kids maintaining a veg plot is hard, but go simple and easy. Potatoes require very little maintenance, can be grown in sacks, and the kids get to dig them out the ground. Not a great time of year though, but you have time to plant some herbs or even grow some lettuce and other salad. Gives plenty of opportunities to discuss it all with kids, while hopefully helping your own mind as well.

      Just do what things you can, whether that’s growing a lettuce, or installing solar panels or replacing the car. Any action helps, even if it’s just to help your own piece of mind.

    • Croquette@sh.itjust.worksOP
      3·
      4 days ago

      I often work on my control influence with my therapist and what you wrote really hit home.

      Deep down, the crux is the issue is control: I can’t control everything, so I must focus on things that I can control. Taking local actions is something I can do to make me feel better and make the life of people around me slightly better. I should take solace in that to make me more optimist.