Everyone in the world who has access to television, and the Internet knows that only one percent of the 70% of water that’s on the earth’s surface is safe to use. Unfortunately, as populations in all corners of the world keep increasing, that one percent will eventually be insufficient for the entire human race. Because of this, it’s important that we ensure that the children in our household are also capable of conserving water.
Explain that Water Is No Infinite Resource
You cannot expect the children in your household to be able to save water if you do not show that water is a limited resource that cannot be replenished immediately and end up wasted if not used the way it should be used. So demonstrate the proper use of water as you explain, in terms your child can understand, the results of irresponsible use of water. One good way to explain the effects of using water irresponsibly is by telling them how every liter of water wasted will eventually fill up a container the size of a swimming pool. By doing so, the kid will know his or her impact of the world early on.
Demonstrate the Different Ways Water is Used
Once you’ve explained the impact of wasting water and demonstrated proper use of water, the next thing to do is to show how else water that runs from a tap is used. To do this, turn a tap on and let water flow into a bucket or jug until it’s full. Then show that the same water used to water plants can be used to wash parts of a car or clean windows. Once you’ve done this, you can expect the child to have learned early in life how to conserve water in the bathroom.
Let Child Play Under / With The Rain
By letting the child play under or with the rain with a pail or dipper on hand, he will learn right away that rain is clean, and can be used for various household tasks ranging from car washing to drinking.
Teach the Child that Rain Can Be Collected for Later Use
Use the same pail you handed him for use in playing under / with the rain to teach him that you can collect rain for use in other tasks later. Place the pail under an open downspout—or just about any spot under the roof where rainwater falls steady, and let the child observe the pail getting filled with water.
Once the pail has been filled with rainwater, take it to a garden and/or your car (which, ideally, should be exposed to the rain for this exercise). Once the rain has stopped, pour the contents on the plants, your car, or both.
After having done the above exercise, you can expect your child to be excited the moment he knows of your plans to purchase a rainwater storage tank for your home.
Let Your Child Participate in Planting Drought-Resistant Plants
By letting your child be actively involved in the planting drought-resistant plants in your garden; he learns early on that just because water needs to be saved, a garden that thrives and adds life cannot be established in your home.
Ways your child can participate in the planting of drought-resistant plants includes letting him select plants which he believes is appealing. Let him assist with planting and caring, and as you both do the former, inform him that the addition of mulch and compost, as well as the removal of weeds boosts soil, and this, in turn, helps in water retention.
