Have you been talking to your kids about the oil spill? Have they been listening to the coverage, looking at pictures of the disaster?

As you may remember, my 6 year old has been quite interested in this subject. I found myself not completely understanding how to broach the subject with him. He likes real specific, in depth, answers, that I don’t always know… like, how exactly do bees make honey? Or, why the girls get to spin in the dance they are learning at school, but the boys don’t?

So, I was happy to see that the National Wildlife Federation and Ranger Rick have created a page that answers the questions kids might have about the oil spill. I really like the answers given. They are clear, concise, age-appropriate, but don’t sugarcoat the problems. Obviously you need to take your child’s age and temperament into consideration, but the questions and answers Ranger Rick gives are a great starting place for such a confusing issue.

NWF has also created a good, common sense, parent guide to talking with your kids that extends beyond the oil spill. Some tips include: be age-appropriate, let your child take the lead, diffuse fear, think positively, and empower action. I think these hold true for any scary event that may affect our children.

My boy has decided that he is going to have a solar-powered car, that it is a good idea to walk instead of drive when we can, and feels good about when he practices reduce, reuse, recycle as something that is making a difference. How are your kids feeling?

Resources:

Ranger Rick on The Big Oil Spill
Parent Guide