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

submitted 5 days 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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[–] Australis13@fedia.io 9 points 5 days ago (4 children)

I know how you feel. It has also been something in the back of my mind over the past few years and my child is going to face challenges that my parents' generation never had.

The way I deal with it is to try to future-proof my home and maintain relationships with my family and neighbours as much as possible.

We've put in a lot of effort over the past few years to improve our home's insulation and its longevity, as well as non-energy aspects such as accessibility. The goal is not to be completely independent; that's not possible in the modern world. But it is possible to build a more resilient lifestyle.

On a community level, we have built relationships with several of our neighbours and now look out for each other; e.g. we keep an eye on each other's properties when one of us is away, or supported another when they had a medical emergency. We also have a neighbourhood house in our community so that things like bread, fruit and vegetables that would otherwise be tossed by the supermarkets don't go to waste and people who need them can access them.

The other thing I try to do is advocate where I can. I write to politicians, I support petitions, and I talk with friends and family who don't share my concerns (a very slow process).

[–] Croquette@sh.itjust.works 5 points 5 days ago (3 children)

I still have a very young kid, so sleep isn't good and my energy level is low (contributing to my pessimism), but I am trying to build my community where I can.

I think the next step would be to be more involved in local politics, or more involved in the community at large to feel that at least, I can impact a few people.

[–] Australis13@fedia.io 2 points 5 days ago (1 children)

As someone who has suffered sleep problems on and off for years, I empathise! It can be hard to do much when one is just trying to stay functional.

Once you can get some decent sleep, though, I agree that getting more involved with the community is an excellent next step. Personally I'm not cut out for politics, but if that appeals to you (or you think you'd be able to manage it), go for it.

[–] Croquette@sh.itjust.works 2 points 4 days ago

I am not made for politics. I love politics, but I am an anxious person and could not deal with the life of a politician.

I would like to teach some day about my field, and give it a sustainable twist. But for now, I am concentrating on survivingy day to day for the next year.

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