We all want our children to take care of their things. One way for families to teach this important skill is by involving children in taking care of our environment.

Children can’t clean up the whole world. But they can learn to take the responsibility for one little corner. Here are some things you can do as a family to help your child become a good eco-citizen:

• Work as a family. Talk with your child about why we need to protect our environment. Ask for her ideas. What are some ways she thinks your family could help?
• Do something. Find out if a forest service office near you is giving away tree seedlings to plant. You and your child might volunteer to plant some of these in a park near your home.
• Learn more. If your child wants to learn about animals, help her learn about their habitats. If she is worried about litter, teach her about recycling.
• Start small. Even small actions make a difference. Help her make litter bags for your family car.
• Make choices. In the store, have her look at the extra packaging that comes on some products. Ask her which product your family should choose. Visit a local recycling center with your child. Have her make a list of all the items that your family could recycle.

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