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Calm down Holly, here's how you really speak to your children about climate change
Holly Candy's scathing critique of climate change activism is not it.
In the world of shocking celebrity soundbites, Holly Candy, formerly known as Holly Valance, is having a moment.
You may vaguely recall Holly - the former Neighbours star turned pop singer with hits like Kiss Kiss (not familiar?) - who now lives in the UK with her billionaire spouse and two children. But today she's hit the news for a very different reason: for taking aim at climate change activism. From denouncing Australia's supposed descent into "woke-ism" to challenging the climate change narrative championed by iconic activist Greta Thunberg, Candy's comments are dominating newsfeeds.
During a candid discussion on GB News' Chopper's Political Podcast, Candy directed sharp criticism towards climate activist Thunberg, branding her the "demonic little gremlin high priestess of climatism." Yes, you read the correctly.
Candy also lamented the presence of environmental discussions in classrooms, suggesting they contribute to anxiety and despair among young learners.
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"All the kids are all coming home with depression and anxiety," she said. "Why would you go to your music lesson or bother doing your homework or get out of your bed if you think we're all going to be dead in five years anyway?"
The mother-of-two also declared she has no intention of moving back to her Australian homeland, lamenting that the country is going "woke".
More money than sense?
So, let's unpack this a bit. As the wife of billionaire property developer Nick Candy, she languishes comfortably in a world far removed from the everyday struggles of most families. Her $19.5 million countryside mansion in the Cotswolds symbolises a life of opulence and privilege, where concerns about climate change may seem distant and inconsequential. Yet, it is precisely this privilege that affords Candy the platform to shape public discourse on critical issues like climate change.
As a mother of three young children myself, Candy's comments strike a discordant note. Her assertion that climate discussions induce depression and anxiety in children, while provocative, reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the nuanced dialogue surrounding environmental education. Instead of fostering a sense of despair, we parents have a responsibility to empower children to be agents of change, providing them with accurate information and nurturing a sense of responsibility.
In contrast to Candy's perspective, many parents recognise the importance of engaging children in meaningful conversations about the environment. Rather than instilling fear and anxiety, these discussions empower young minds to understand the complexities of climate change and envision a future of positive action and sustainability. By fostering a sense of agency, parents can inspire the next generation to become active stewards of the planet.
Moreover, it's essential to move beyond polarising rhetoric and embrace a more inclusive and nuanced approach to climate education. Rather than dismissing environmental activism as a threat, parents can encourage critical thinking and open dialogue, allowing children to explore diverse perspectives and formulate their own informed opinions.
How parents can talk about climate change
When it comes to discussing climate change in our family, we keep it age-appropriate. For instance, when discussing climate change with my younger child, we focus on simple concepts like taking care of the Earth and the importance of recycling. We talk about how using less water and electricity helps the planet and have introduced her to basic ideas like planting trees to combat pollution.
With our tweens, we take on more detailed discussions about greenhouse gases, the impact of deforestation, and the role of renewable energy in combating climate change. We also explore real-world examples of environmental initiatives and encourage them to think critically about how their actions can make a difference. By tailoring our conversations to their age and level of understanding, we empower our children to become environmentally conscious citizens from a young age.
And there is much more to add to the conversation. Parents can talk about renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, and how they're helping to reduce carbon emissions. We can explore innovative solutions to environmental challenges, such as sustainable agriculture and zero-waste practices. And we can encourage our children to get involved in environmental activism, whether it's through school projects, community clean-up events, or supporting organisations that are working to protect the planet.
Instead of instilling fear and hopelessness, we can focus on teaching our children about the importance of environmental stewardship and the role they can play in creating a sustainable future. We can discuss the science behind climate change in a way that's age-appropriate and empowering, highlighting the positive actions individuals and communities are taking to address the issue.
Fostering hope amid climate education
Ultimately, the challenge lies not only in educating our children about the realities of climate change but also in fostering a sense of hope and possibility. As parents, we have a responsibility to equip our children with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to navigate an uncertain future with resilience and optimism.
In stark contrast to Candy's pessimism, many parents advocate for open dialogues with their children about climate change, aiming to inspire action, not despondency. It's not about ignoring their homework because they'll all be "dead in five years," Holly. Ultimately, the key is to approach climate change conversations with empathy, understanding, and a focus on solutions rather than despair.
In her controversial interview, Candy also reminisced about a seemingly idyllic Australia of the past, lamenting the rise of what she referred to as "woke culture," particularly in educational settings.
SHOP:
"The Australia I grew up in was unreal. It was so fun and we didn't seem to have all these problems ... the woke stuff's really gone big in Australia," she said.
Oh, but let us assure you, Holly, the Australia our kids are experiencing is just as "unreal". Here, individuals are celebrated for their authenticity, children are empowered to voice their opinions, and they're equipped with the means to shape a better future for themselves and future generations.
So, enjoy your $ 50.5 million super yacht and your $ 19.5 million countryside mansion, you might have money, but clearly you don't have much sense.
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