Energy Efficiency can be boring, can't it? Especially for kids. Boring or not, it's important. Make it fun and children are more likely to form positive habits they will pass on to their children. So, how can parents make Energy Efficiency fun...
Integrate Energy Efficiency Into Your Children's Favorite Activities
\"Energy Efficiency\"
1. For younger children who like coloring try some coloring books with an Energy Efficiency theme. Sioux Valley Energy's website has some on its kids page.
2. For children who like animals, explain how Energy Efficiency reduces pollution and helps protect the habitat of their favorite animals from cuddly Pandas to slimy slugs. Any activity with animals becomes a fun Energy Efficiency activity too.
3. Use the internet. Chances are your children use the Internet at home, at school, at the library, somewhere. Some government websites have interactive pages for kids of all ages that teach Energy Efficiency. Try the Energy Information Administration's Kid's Page and the US Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's kid's page.
Talk About Energy Efficiency
If Energy Efficiency is a consistent family conversation topic, it becomes more natural so talk about it. Talk with your kids or talk among yourselves when your kids are around. Did you do anything at work that helped save energy? Have you or any of your friends done any Energy Efficient Home Improvements? Are any local schools doing projects on Energy Efficiency? Whether kids are involved in the conversation or listening in on you, they will hear about saving energy. No lecturing required.
Challenge Your Kids!
Is the family in the market for a new appliance? Make the children part of the process and have them research the Energy Efficiency of each product. Let them contribute to the decision making process. Make it even more challenging and give them a target price range.
What about a family challenge? See how much energy your family can save each month. Add bribes, uh, rewards for additional motivation. Reviewing energy bills with older kids helps them understand how much energy really cost.
Parents- You Can Do This!
As a responsible parent you already have so much to think about and Energy Efficiency is definitely worth your time and effort. Teach your children early to save energy and they will thank you later when they are paying their own energy bills!
Kids, Energy Efficiency - Fun
www.MakeYourHomeEnergyEfficient.com where you will find both big and small Energy Efficient Home projects you can share with the children. Be sure and take a look at our Games for Kids page too.