Kids can learn about the importance of energy conservation and how to save energy even at a young age. Learning these behaviors early will help them take energy-saving habits into adulthood. Here's a few tips for teaching your kids about energy conservation:
Let your kids be in charge
Including energy-saving behaviors in your daily life means changing your habits. That can be hard for anyone, no matter how old. Let your kids take the lead on encouraging energy saving for the entire family by putting them in charge of simple but important tasks. For example, when you leave the house, your young children can be responsible for turning off all the lights. The more often kids complete these tasks, the sooner these behaviors will become a habit.
Make energy savings a game
Having fun is a great way to learn. The U.S. Energy Information Administration's Energy Kids program has several games and activities for children of all ages to learn about science and energy conservation. In addition to teaching kids how electricity is created and transmitted to their homes, Energy Kids has resources to turn saving energy into a game. Try an energy scavenger hunt that will show kids all the devices in their homes that use electricity. This can help them understand the importance of turning off these items when not in use.
Remember the bigger lesson
It can be difficult for children to understand where their electricity comes from or how it affects the greater ecosystem. Make sure they know saving energy is about more than following rules by showing them the impact wasting energy has on the environment. Spending time at natural history museums or outdoor areas can help them understand why natural resources should be protected.
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Teach by example
Kids tend to mimic their parents, so be sure you're serving as a good example. If you let some of your good behaviors slide, your kids will likely do the same. Adopt energy-saving habits yourself and your kids will follow suit.
Want to know more ways your family can conserve energy in your home? See Gexa Energy's tips on saving energy.
