What’s Really Breaking Kids’ Hearts About the Future of Our Planet

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Everything that a greater force has created, call it God or whatever you like, has a purpose: to grow and expand. Nature never stops. It’s never still. And it’s perfect.

However, a feeling of hopelessness and fear grows stronger in children. I see it every day in my students, in the way they look at the world — with doubt and fear.

Children arrive at school with a heavy thought in their minds: that the future is uncertain, that the planet is in danger, that everything they love could disappear.

I’ve felt the pain in their voices and their hearts. The sadness makes them feel like life isn’t even worth living.
Why bother if there will be nothing in the future?

I remember Mariana, who once told me in distress: “Teacher, I’m not going to do homework or anything else anymore.”

Imagine her, seven years old, with her usual thoughtful face, always bringing different ideas to class. I remember laughing a bit because her serious and determined expression said it all.

So I asked her, “Why are you saying that? Just the other day you told me you wanted to be a vet and that you had to study a lot.” She said, “A vet for what? There won’t be any animals left when I grow up.”

Then she sat down and started crying. I couldn’t believe it. I thought it was just one of her jokes.

Shocked, I asked, “Why do you say that? Why are you so sad?”

Mariana said, “Teacher, yesterday I saw a video on YouTube with my mom about how pollution destroys everything. I don’t want to live in a world like that. What’s the point of homework or school if we’re all going to starve? There will be no food, nothing, and all the animals are dying. Millions and millions of fish die every day.”

My heart broke.

And Mariana is just one of many children filled with anxiety because they’ve been told the air will run out, that cows are destroying the planet, that the ice is melting nonstop, that water is vanishing.

And I don’t blame them. The message they hear every day is devastating.

But here’s the thing: Do we want them to grow up in fear? Or do we want them to grow up excited to do something, with the certainty that they can make a difference?

Because one thing is true: humans are capable of the best and the worst.

Yes, we’ve harmed nature. But we’ve also healed forests, protected species, and cleaned oceans. We’ve learned. And we’re still learning.

I choose to teach my students that humanity is not a virus, like one of my students told me his uncle (a doctor) had said.

We are beings meant to grow. We improve. We evolve.

And they, with their small hands and big ideas, have the power to protect what they love:
the water they swim in, the air they breathe, the trees they play under.

Kids grow up thinking there has to be a leader — someone powerful who can save the planet. They believe that only huge actions led by millionaires can bring results for nature.

But our job is not to fill them with fear. It’s too light in them, hope and responsibility.

Because creation is perfect. And it will always win, and it will always be strong.
But it needs our help to keep moving forward.

It’s time to show them that the world also has hope for better times.
That everything has its light and shadow.
And they can give more than they think.

If we want children to care for the planet, we have to show them that it’s worth it.

Here are a few ideas that can help you:

Replace fear with inspiration
Don’t talk about unavoidable disasters. Talk about people doing amazing things for the planet. Let them know there are environmental heroes everywhere.

Small actions, big changes
They don’t have to save the world in one day. Turning off the lights, recycling, closing the faucet while brushing their teeth… it all adds up.

Connect them with nature
Take them to the park. Let them get their hands dirty in the soil. Let them feel the wind on their faces. No one protects what they don’t love.

Turn the problem into a challenge
Instead of saying, “The planet is in danger,” ask, “How can we help?” Let them come up with solutions. Let them play scientist, activist, or explorer.

Words matter
Words create realities. Instead of saying, “The environment is dying,” say “We can help make the planet stronger.”

Celebrate every effort
No matter how small the action is: if they plant a seed, use less plastic, or share a green idea, it all counts. And it all deserves recognition.

Be their example
Kids imitate what they see. If they see you care for nature with joy and commitment, they’ll do the same.

The world is in their hands. Let’s not give them fear. Let’s give them hope.

If you want to work with your students on Earth Day from a hopeful perspective, planting the idea that things can get better, take a look at my resources.

You’ll find everything from Earth Day decor to presentations and mini-books; everything you need.

Thanks for reading! 💚

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