Design For Life

Advice: How can I discuss climate change with my eight-year-old without scaring him?

The best way to manage this situation is to start having calm and measured conversations with your son about climate action, says our expert

Little things like encouraging your child to make art posters can make a difference to their anxiety over climate change. Picture: Getty

Dear Expert,

My eight-year-old son came home from school last week in a panic. One of his classmates had told him that the world was going to end because of climate change, and that by the time they grow up there will be fires all over Ireland and floods that will wash away houses.

We managed to calm him down by assuring him this will not happen, but I feel a bit guilty for telling ...