How to Talk to Your Kids about Climate Change

May 1, 2020

Global warming is a topic on many lips today, and the thought of a climate crisis may cause fear in many children. How do we discuss these crucial topics in a way that's informational but without reinforcing anxieties? What can we do to help our children live their best future in a catastrophic world? Shugarman (executive director, Climate Mama) believes it is crucial to tell our children the truth. Grief and fear are normal in both ourselves and our children, but we must motivate ourselves to action and here she provides suggestions to do just that, advocating leading by example and supporting activism. Many parents may feel they lack the knowledge to speak in a scientific and informed way, and this book provides the facts parents need to have these conversations as well as tips for conversing with children on this crucial topic. VERDICT A helpful tome on a crucial topic filled with scientific facts, this volume will be useful to both parents and teachers.

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2020
Climate activist Shugarman, who blogs as Climate Mama, has written a pointedly apolitical title aimed at easing the climate change conversation between parents and children. Designed as something other than the typical ten things you can do narrative, Shugarman's how-to combines narrative with blog posts, boxed quotes from other Climate Mamas and Papas, and a healthy amount of references to published reports, books, and articles. The author's goal is to provide a resource that works for a wide range of parents and children, and to that end she provides sections and chapters aimed at specific age groups. She also offers ways to keep children from becoming depressed or overwhelmed (advice that works for adults as well), and suggestions for how to support the pursuit of individual passions while not losing sight of the big picture. Grief is part of the conversation, but so is hope and, more importantly, so is action. Parents and parenting groups will find much to share here, and Shugarman includes resources and notes for book clubs.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)