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Environmental awareness begins at home, where children learn through practical example and thoughtful dialogue, according to environmental experts in the United Arab Emirates. Specialists emphasize that simple educational activities connecting children with their surrounding environment transform environmental values into consistent behaviors that reflect in their actions and communities. This approach demonstrates how small household practices can create a legacy that shapes an environmentally conscious generation capable of facing future challenges.
Experts confirmed that families play an active role in enhancing children’s awareness about preserving natural resources, starting with setting an example before giving instructions. According to environmental and sustainability expert Fatima Al Hantoubi, when children observe their parents avoiding waste and valuing water, energy, and food resources, these practices become ingrained behaviors.
Building Environmental Awareness Through Daily Practices
Al Hantoubi explained that calm daily conversations with children about resource conservation, using age-appropriate language, prove highly effective. Additionally, families can transform sustainability into an enjoyable experience through shared activities such as home gardening, animal care, and introducing recycling concepts within the household. She noted that teaching children to conserve water consumption and avoid waste represents one of the best environmental practices.
The expert added that educating children about different types of lighting and their energy consumption enhances environmental awareness from an early age. These small lessons accumulate over time, creating responsible citizens who respect resources and protect the environment for future generations.
Family Foundation for Sustainable Living
Environmental researcher Sultan Al Balushi indicated that the family represents the first seed of sustainability, being the most influential environment in shaping children’s behavior. He stated that sustainability is a feeling acquired through daily life details within the family setting. What children observe regarding water, electricity, food, and nature handling gradually transforms into firm convictions.
Al Balushi emphasized that genuine role modeling remains the best gift families can offer their children, beyond directive language. Furthermore, he believes that interacting with nature, playing outdoors, and touching soil constitute essential experiences in building psychological and physical balance in children.
Integrating Environmental Awareness at Home and School
Mohammed Ibrahim Al Balushi, chairman of the parents’ council at Dubai Community Schools, highlighted efforts to instill sustainability concepts and environmental protection through organizing purposeful programs, activities, and events for students. This approach reflects belief in the importance of establishing environmental awareness from early stages of education.
He mentioned that environmental awareness within families begins with setting examples, such as explaining how cleanliness and air quality affect children’s health and future. Meanwhile, families invest in life situations and support children in school activities to reinforce awareness and create lasting behavioral changes.
Inspiring Family Experiences
Parent Moza Al Zahmi explained that instilling environmental awareness in children occurs through daily practices, with reminders about avoiding resource waste and promoting conservation. This approach forms a sustainable methodology more impactful than strict rules, she noted. She confirmed that encouraging children to recycle begins with appreciating blessings and reducing consumption through reusing household items and participating in community initiatives.
Student Amal Al Abdouli’s experience reflects the impact of practical guidance through her initiative “Our Environment is Beautiful Through Our Behavior,” which aimed to bring environmental protection concepts closer to children in simplified, appealing ways. According to Al Abdouli, she relies on reading stories and direct dialogue to introduce children to the importance of public cleanliness, property preservation, and natural resource conservation.
The initiative demonstrated how linking environmental awareness with national occasions makes children more interactive and engaged. However, the long-term impact of these family-led environmental education efforts will depend on consistent practice and continued collaboration between homes, schools, and communities in nurturing environmentally conscious behaviors.
