To a Degree, Kids’ Reactions To Climate Change Are a Function of Discussions in the Family Home

In a recent post on our children’s reactions to climate change, I noted that young people are either angry/worried, or completely oblivious.  I believe that, in the main, where this lands is a function of the kid’s family, i.e., what the discussion at home is like.

I remember tutoring a high school senior in science, preparing her for a test on two different areas.  I arrived for our first meeting, hoping, of course, that the event would go well, and that I’d be hired on a continuing basis.  The girl’s mother greeted me at the door, and, to my surprise, seemed a bit unfriendly and suspicious.  I presumed that she was concerned for here daughter’s safety, which is understandable, a belief I confirmed when she sat down in the room with her daughter and me (a first for me, out of many dozens of such engagements). 

I noted a large crucifix in the room, and assessed that this was probably just an uptight, God-fearing family.  This phenomenon would be more commonly found in the Midwest, but it does occur out here in California.

First we covered the theory of evolution.  The kid knew nothing about it, and so I had her read brief passages from her textbook, and then discuss them with me.  Of course, this flies right in the teeth of creationism, the theory that I was 99% sure had been laid on her since she was a toddler.  There is really no way to discuss Darwin and not do at least some level of violence to faith in God.  I’m thinking to myself:  I’m so fired.

The other subject was climate change.  I asked her what she knew about, and she replied: nothing.  Surprised, I asked, “You mean literally nothing, as in you’ve never heard the term?”  “Correct,” she responded.  Here’s a kid who’ll be in college next year who’s never heard of climate change.

Now, this can only happen in a family of complete climate-deniers.  I used the same technique, having her read short passages and then discussing their meaning with me.  Neither she nor her mother made any overt signs of disbelief or disapproval, but it must have been there at some degree.

I’m thinking: If Darwin hadn’t ended my relationship here, global warming sure did.  After about an hour (the length of time I like to engage with kids), I said, “Well, I think we got a lot accomplished here.  Do you agree, young lady?”  “For sure,” she smiled.

Her mom wrote me a check, and saw me to the door.  Upon my departure, I’m sure she told her daughter, “Now that man is a heathen.”

Never heard from them again.