Family Lesson in Green Living: Too Harsh or Just Right?
The story
Our children, a 16-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy, are fervently committed to environmental conservation, a value my husband (41) and I (38) wholeheartedly endorse. We've always embraced the philosophy "use gently and conserve," which we trace back to the ideas promoted by the Roosevelts.
Recently, after returning from a summer camp where a well-known actor emphasized the urgent need to cut carbon emissions by 66% to avert an environmental disaster, our kids' behavior took a sharp turn. Despite his own use of a private jet and multiple properties, his message hit home with them. They became overly aggressive, confronting friends and relatives about their environmental habits, leading our son to vandalize a friend's Mustang as an act of environmental protest.
To curb this growing fanaticism, my husband and I decided to teach them a practical lesson by challenging them to reduce their own carbon footprints by 66% until the start of the school year. We simplified our home energy sources to demonstrate achievable cuts, but even then, they struggled. They now had restricted car use, limited air conditioning, a diet without meat, and minimal use of appliances to truly understand the impact of such a drastic cutback.
The reality of their choices soon hit them, and within two days, they were pleading to return to their normal lives. We explained the hypocrisy of advocating for a lifestyle they themselves couldn't bear to maintain and imposed stricter limitations whenever they criticized others' environmental efforts. Following a particularly public complaint on Facebook about their restrictions, we cut off their internet access, nudging them further towards their emission reduction goal.
This approach has garnered mixed reactions. While many relatives who had been targeted by the kids' criticisms felt vindicated, others, including my mother-in-law and father-in-law, accused us of being harsh and even reported us to family services. Growing up on a farm taught us the value of true grit, and we believe these lessons are crucial.
Imagine if all this were unfolding on a reality TV show! Viewers would likely be split, with some applauding us for teaching a tough lesson in responsibility and sustainability, while others might view us as too severe, creating drama and drawing in a larger audience intrigued by the clash of environmental ideals versus practical living.
I wonder, would being on a reality show change public opinion about our approach?
Is our approach to teaching environmental responsibility effecti
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Points of view
wow, this fam is on a real rollercoaster! 😬 they seem to be serious about their conservation game, which is cool, but going a bit too hard on the kids, perhaps. 🤔 it's a tough call, right? hopefully, they all find the right balance soon. ✌️
The commitment to environmental conservation in this family is truly admirable, reflecting a deep-rooted value system that many could draw inspiration from. While the parents' attempt to instill a sense of responsibility in their children is commendable, one may argue that the approach borders on being a tad stringent. Allowing the youngsters to comprehend the consequences of their actions firsthand is an effective strategy; however, striking the delicate balance between instruction and empowerment is key in fostering long-term behavioral change. It is heartening to witness the evolution of their understanding and the gradual shift towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Hopefully, with continued guidance and support, the family will navigate their environmental journey with resilience and collective growth.
For me this story seems kinda extreme... reducing carbon emissions by 66% is a massive ask for teenagers. 😳
vandalizing a friend's car? that ain't cool, man. 🤨 Wondering if this approach will actually lead to real change...
wow, seriously? the approach seems a bit over the top. restricting your kids' lives so much can backfire; how's that supposed to teach them to "walk the talk"? sure, they got a reality check, but vandalizing a car to protest? that's not gonna fly. "practice what you preach" is easier said than done, but forcing it might not be the answer 😒
ok, so i get that you're really into eco-friendly stuff, but what happened is kinda too much. cutting your own kids off the grid like that; it's not practical. maybe chill a bit and find a happier middle ground? 🌱 plus, teaching by doing is much better than forcing. is this plan actually sustainable or just making everyone stressed?
it's kinda wild how quickly this all escalated from just supporting environmental ideas to full-on lifestyle changes for your kids. making them live with those restrictions is a bold move and shows the complexity of actually living what you preach. but i gotta ask, do you think your approach will inspire lasting change in their beliefs or just make them resentful? learning through experience can be powerful, but pushing too hard might backfire. sometimes a little leniency mixed with education goes further than strict rules.
It's amazing how passionate your kids became after the camp, but it's easy for that enthusiasm to go overboard. I remember once getting super into recycling and ended up with a garage full of stuff my parents weren't too happy about. 😅 Your approach, while intense, might just be what they need to find balance between their ideals and reality. Sometimes showing them the real-world impact can help refine their passion into something more manageable. Keep up the conversation with them—communication is key in tackling big issues like this!
honestly, sounds like you might've gone a bit overboard. expecting teenagers to slash their carbon footprint by 66% is pretty unrealistic 😬 while it's great they're passionate about the environment, forcing them into extreme changes could lead to more resentment than genuine understanding. maybe try dialing it back and focusing on smaller, achievable steps? a gradual approach might yield better long-term results.
Man, it kinda sounds like ya took things a bit too far with your kids. I get that you're aiming to teach them about responsibility and all, but forcing such drastic changes overnight is just bonkers 😳. It's cool that they're passionate, but maybe try leading by example instead of hitting them with intense cuts they can't handle? Also, cutting off the internet doesn't feel very productive... it might just make them more rebellious and frustrated rather than genuinely understanding the issue. Perhaps showing some flexibility could help create a healthier dialog around their environmental enthusiasm without making life unbearable for everyone involved 😐.
reflecting on your situation, i find it intriguing how quickly passion can morph into zealotry, especially in impressionable minds. while your intentions were rooted in practicality, the method might have overshadowed the message. it's reminiscent of historical movements where initial fervor clashed with everyday constraints; perhaps a focus on incremental change and resilience could serve them better. personal experience suggests that when ideology collides with teenage rebellion, dialogue often bridges gaps more effectively than rigid imposition. perhaps revisiting how you communicate these ideals could foster a more enduring impact?