Five Easy Steps to Teach Kids to Save Energy in Your Home

[Azure Power]

We are aware of skyrocketing electricity and gas prices with increased living costs. All these elevating prices have put parents in a state of stress and worry. In such a case, parents have just one option, to educate their children regarding energy consumption and saving energy.
Indeed, it is a difficult task to teach children about energy saving in a way that will not bore them. The method has to be appealing and engaging. Therefore, the Solar Power Project in India has come with five easy tips for educating your kids on saving energy efficiently. Here are the five easy ways to save energy:

1. Make it easier for your kid to work for saving energy.
This can sound very basic, but it works. You can add a simple step stool to help your kids climb it so that they access the light switches in all the rooms. Indeed, this is a great way to begin teaching about energy saving. Tell them to switch off the light and other electric devices before leaving their room. 

Generally, small kids observe adults and try to mimic what they do. Therefore, it is essential to inculcate such habits from a very young age. Remember to assign such tasks in the form of fun activities, such as how to save energy by turning off lights before leaving the room for a week and earning a sweet treat or an extra $1. It will generate curiosity and instil a good habit to save energy.

2. Pay attention to the problems they care
Kids are very observant; teaching them about saving energy and conveying this message can burden them. This can also lead to potential stress and anxiety associated with this task. To avoid this issue, adults need to think from children’s perspective to make such activities fun. It is easier said than done, but you can teach them about energy saving by linking this topic to their favourite TV or YouTube character. It will help to reduce their burden to learn something important.

For instance, our kids are more interested in climate change than we adults ever were; you can choose one of their favourite childhood heroes to convey this message, such as David Attenborough. Kids will try to mimic their heroes and turn the electric devices off before leaving the room. 
Another good example for children who love dinos, several studies have suggested that dinosaurs were nocturnal; this will encourage them to turn off the switches because they might expect a dinosaur in dark. However, this tip could be frightening for some small kids, so make sure you do the right judgment regarding this task. 

3. Perform some research for informative sources
You can find plenty of information online to show to your children about energy and power saving. One of the best and most vital information you can find on NASA’s Climate Kids. It is extremely engaging. It encourages your child to conserve electricity. You can also find interesting kids–friendly videos on YouTube, such as EnergySage; it gives a great introduction to solar energy. 

Today’s kids are familiar with YouTube; therefore, they will enjoy learning from these videos. They will understand the concept and importance of energy saving.

4. Plan a treasure hunt with family
Getting the entire family involved will make this education a fun activity for kids; they will enjoy this family time and understand the message. 

Give each child and an adult a question sheet with all the clues to reach the answers that are hidden. Each time when they find the right answer, give them another letter. 

At the end of the treasure hunt, the kid will have all the letters; when they are combined make a word, for instance, “blanket box” kids will locate this and find a card with information– 

“Turning off the TV completely can save nearly $20 a year; your mission is to turn off every electric device, which is unused at the moment, and report to the kitchen to gain a prize”

When you are satisfied with their task, reward them with a prize! This way, you can crack the deal. You can easily slip into the energy-saving topic in your daily conversation with your kid. 

5. Explore energy sources in your home
We can easily see the proof of how we utilize energy in our day-to-day lives. You could be living nearby a power station or can check out the solar panels on the roof of nearby houses. While taking a stroll outside and you notice an electric vehicle power unit in a parking area, explain your ids about it. Explain to your kids what its purpose is and how it helps.
Small kids are intelligent; they absorb information rapidly from their environment. Therefore, make sure to take advantage of this chance to make them notice the existence of a physical generation of energy, conservation, and it’s functioning in your home and outside your house. 
Besides, if your kids have questions about energy and you are not sure what to answer, research it from an authentic source.