What do I do when climate news feels scary?
Quick answer from Eartha
When climate news feels scary, it helps to pause, take a slow breath, and talk to a grown-up you trust. Feeling worried shows you care, and sharing that feeling always makes it lighter. Then you can pick one small helpful thing to do, which turns worry into action. 💛
The longer story
Sometimes news about the planet can sound big and worrying, especially if you hear only part of the story. It's completely okay to feel unsettled when that happens.
A great first step is to pause and breathe slowly, like blowing up a balloon nice and slow. This helps your body feel calmer so your brain can think clearly.
Next, find a grown-up you trust and tell them how you feel. Grown-ups can help explain the full story, answer your questions, and remind you that many people are working on solutions.
Finally, try turning that worry into one small action, like planting something, saving energy, or writing a kind note about the planet. Taking action, even a tiny one, can help worry turn into hope.
Try this at home: Balloon breathing
- Sit comfortably and pretend to blow up a balloon slowly through your mouth.
- Let the pretend balloon slowly deflate as you breathe out even slower.
- Repeat three times, then tell a grown-up one feeling and one hope you have.
Words to know
- worry
- A feeling you get when you think something might not be okay.
- trusted grown-up
- An adult you feel safe talking to, like a parent, carer or teacher.
For grown-ups: what is my child learning here?
Age band: 5-9 years
Curriculum link: Australian Curriculum v9 HASS, AC9HP2P01
The concept: Supports emotional regulation and eco-anxiety literacy, encouraging open communication and constructive coping strategies.
More classroom ideas are on our teachers page, and safety notes for families are on for parents.
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