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How do you cope with eco-anxiety as a parent? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 1 week ago by Croquette@sh.itjust.works to c/parenting@lemmy.world

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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

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[–] antlion@lemmy.dbzer0.com -3 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (2 children)

Never regret your children. Your children chose to be alive at this time, and they chose you as a parent. If they didn’t want to be here, they wouldn’t.

Do your best, control what you can. Control your breath. You can’t control the behaviors of a billion people. You can do a lot to prepare your family for the next 50 years.

[–] AndyMFK@lemmy.dbzer0.com 6 points 1 week ago (1 children)

What kind of insane rhetoric is this? Children don't choose to be born, and they certainly do not choose their parents. It's blatantly false and doesn't help OP in the slightest.

I agree with your second point but the first point is wildly unhinged and only discredits your generally good advice which is, focus on the things you can control.

[–] antlion@lemmy.dbzer0.com 0 points 1 week ago

People have different beliefs about reincarnation and so forth. If you believe we are just chemical bags than yeah parents are to blame for their children’s existence. But if you believe there is a soul outside, what I said makes perfect sense. It’s not rhetoric is just another perspective.

[–] Croquette@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 week ago

I love my children to death and will do what I can within my means to make their life better.

However, I do feel that my regrets are valid. I chose to have children when I was optimist about the future, but my optimism has waned.

They didn't ask to be born, they didn't chose me, so having children in this day and age is a selfish want.

I do not share your vision but I appreciate your support.