“Will climate change affect where we live?”
“Will I be safe when I grow up?”
“Why aren’t grown-ups doing more?”
Talking to children about climate change can feel difficult. News of wildfires, floods and extreme weather can leave children and young people feeling frightened, sad or angry about their future. They may hear things at school, see worrying content online or ask questions that parents and carers find hard to answer.
It’s natural to feel unsure what to say, especially if you have worries of your own. Remember, you do not need to have all the answers. Listening first, being honest and staying alongside a difficult feeling can help a child feel heard and supported.
Small changes in how we respond to children’s fears can make a difference.
What might sit beneath the question
The NHS-developed Solihull Approach model that underpins Togetherness encourages us to think about behaviour as communication and relationships as a foundation for emotional wellbeing.
One of its ideas is emotional containment: staying alongside a difficult feeling and helping a child make sense of it, rather than rushing to make it go away.
When a child asks, “Will the world end?”, they might really be asking, “Will I be safe?” or “Can I talk to you about this?”
Rather than responding with “Don’t worry”, you might begin with:
“That sounds worrying. I’m glad you told me. What have you heard?”
Acknowledging the emotion behind the question first, then gently exploring it a little further, can help children feel heard and supported. It can also help you understand where their worries may be coming from.
Support with difficult conversations
Parenting today can feel very different from parenting a generation ago. Children are growing up in a rapidly changing world shaped by smartphones, social media, AI, global conflict and uncertainty. With no rule book to follow, knowing how to approach certain topics is not always easy.
You do not need to have all the answers. Listening, learning and staying curious about what might sit beneath your child’s question can help you approach difficult conversations and stay connected.
Togetherness’ latest learning pathway, Understanding your child in a changing world, brings together insights from psychologists and psychotherapists with practical tools for everyday family life. Learn more about big feelings, behaviour and difficult topics, while finding ways to strengthen connection and communication.
Supporting children with climate worries
Exploring everyday choices together can help children feel involved and give adults a chance to explain how our actions affect the world around us.
- Notice your feelings first. Pause and notice what this subject brings up for you. This can help you listen with curiosity and understand what might sit beneath your child’s question. If you or an older child wants to learn more, you could attend a local People’s Emergency Briefing.
- Talk about having too much. From an early age, children see messages telling them what to want. Talk about the difference between what we want and what we need. What does having enough look like for your family? Explore how using less, sharing more and wasting less can make a difference to other people and the planet.
- Turn everyday choices into bigger conversations. Dinner can be a good place to start. Try lentils or another meat-free meal and talk about why you chose it. Walk where you can instead of driving, save rainwater for plants or reuse something rather than replacing it. Small choices can lead to bigger conversations about how everyday life affects the world around us.
- Talk to other families. Other parents, carers and grandparents may be having the same conversations. You might share worries, ideas and practical approaches that have worked. Hearing what others have tried might help you and your child feel less alone with such a big subject.
These small actions won’t solve climate change, and children shouldn’t feel responsible for fixing the world’s problems. But making choices together can help them feel heard and involved.
When climate worry affects everyday life
It can be difficult when a child’s fears persist and you’re unsure how to help. Remember, you do not need to have all the answers, and it’s okay to seek support for yourself too. If your child’s fears, nightmares or anxiety are affecting their sleep, school life or day-to-day activities, the NHS provides guidance on anxiety in children, including when it may be helpful to speak to your GP, school nurse or another healthcare professional.
The NHS also offers information and practical support for adults facing fears, anxiety and panic.
Child-friendly climate change resource
National Geographic Kids – Be a changemaker! – Ten activities children can try, including collecting rainwater, growing plants and reducing waste. It explains what these choices achieve in simple, accessible language.
CBeebies – Earth Day activities – The BBC’s 2026 collection includes recycling activities, crafts, nature-themed games and Ranger Hamza’s Eco Quest. It makes environmental care something children can explore through play.
BBC Bitesize – The Regenerators – Games, short videos and activities about climate change, recycling and protecting the environment. It also celebrates young people taking positive action together.