Tips for Getting Your Kids to Save Energy

Whether your child is barely tall enough to reach the light switch or you have a teenager living in his own world, it can often be a challenge to get kids to save energy. The monetary and environmental consequences of not turning off the lights when they leave the room just don’t register in their minds yet. But parents can help steer their children toward becoming energy savers with some helpful tips.

Set a good example. Children emulate their parents’ behavior. If you constantly adjust the heat rather than put on a sweater, leave the lights on all over the house and stand with the refrigerator door open while deciding on a snack, you can’t expect your children to do the opposite.

Start early. Even before your youngsters are strong enough to close the front door, you can tell them why it’s important to do so. Babies love a running commentary, so while you’re taking a short shower or cooking efficiently in the kitchen, you can explain what you’re doing and why. You can also ask them for “help” — lift them up to turn off the light switch or have them push a door closed for you.

Read about recycling and saving gas, electricity and water. Many children’s books do a good job explaining climate change in terms they can understand, such as how it can harm Earth and the creatures on it.

Start a mantra. If the book your daughter reads says she can save the polar bears by turning off the computer and lights when not in use, explain new things as they come up that can also help “Save the polar bears.”

Put each child in charge of something. Your son may be in charge of making sure the lights are out before everyone leaves the…

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