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It seems like every day, another report with scary consequences makes headlines. "

2019 capped world’s hottest decade in recorded history

Australia fires will be 'normal' in warmer world

Oceans are warming at the same rate as if five Hiroshima bombs were dropped in every second.

Climate change is a big, important topic - and chances are good, the kids in your life are asking questions. But when the topic

, how do we talk to kids in a way that is real, but not terrifying?

Tuesday on MPR News with Kerri Miller, guest host and MPR reporter

 spoke with two experts about how to talk with the kids in your life about a warming planet in a way that's empowering, not overwhelming.

Let them talk about their anxiety. Don’t brush it off, even if it seems silly to you. Children want to know that their caregivers offer a safe place for them to share their feelings.

It helps to know they aren’t alone. Many people – including many adults – are concerned about the planet. We can work together to solve this crisis.

Young children don’t need much more than a few sentences – always coupled with reassurance that the grown-ups are already working toward a solution. For slightly older kids, look for videos online that will satisfy their growing curiosity.

For young kids, it might be as simple as going outside. Give them a love of nature. For older kids, it might be getting involved in an environmental student group at school. Let them dictate how active they want to be.

More resources

Talking to your kids about climate change

Six tips for talking to kids about climate change

To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above.

Subscribe to the MPR News with Kerri Miller podcast on: 

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Climate change is scary — even for the grownups. What are the best practices when it comes to talking to kids about our planet's future?

Climate change is scary - even for the grownups. What are the best practices when it comes to talking to kids about our planet's future?

How to talk with kids about climate change

The Kids Climate March joins up with the March for Science.

How to talk with kids about climate change

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