Eco-Anxiety
&
Extreme weather events, a result of human-
induced changes to our global climate, are
happening more frequently — and causing
many kids to worry about the future of our
planet. Here’s how to help ease your child’s
fears about climate change.

18 Washington FAMILY APRIL 2021



BY ALIZA FRIEDLANDER
As a parenting coach,
Rachel Duffy spends
her days helping
entrepreneurs and
high-achieving professionals develop
trust, acceptance,
accountability and
connection within the
family unit. So, when
her 9-year-old son
started expressing
worries around climate
change, Duffy began
using those methods
she shares with clients
within her own family.

“My son is a
big supporter of
environmental activism,” says Duffy.

“He feels anxious
about the permanent
consequences to our
planet and all living
beings if we don’t
eliminate the use
of plastics.”
Instead of pushing
his fears away, Duffy
and her son embrace
those anxieties and
work together to
manage them.

WashingtonFAMILY.com 19