Bec and Asa on Drive chatted with Kelsie Prabawa-Sear, CEO of Nature Play WA.

Teaching children about conservation has many benefits. They are the guardians of our planet.

Helping children care for the environment from a young age builds respect, responsibility and a lifelong connection to nature. Through outdoor play and hands-on experiences, kids begin to understand how their actions impact the world around them. Events like the River Guardians Family Festival (May 2nd) are encourage families to explore these ideas together in a fun and engaging way. Nature Play WA offers children opportunities to connect with and care for nature in everyday life and to care and protect the environment around them.

Nurture Time in Nature

“The best thing we can do rather than teach them about it is engage them with it. So role model caring for the environment, let them be engaged in the environment,” said Kelsie.

Get Outside to Talk About It

Kelsie said that good conversation starters begin with the presence of nature.

“The environment can be everything, it can be the beach, the river, the sand, the trees, the birds. Kids always think about the environment and nature in terms of animals, especially little kids. They’re really interested in animals and a lot of kids have a connection or a feeling for animals, sometimes imaginary animals and creatures and sometimes real life species.”

Being around nature is a tactile way for children to engage in it and care about how to preserve it.

“Then often kids just have an interest. You can follow their interest because honestly, do they need to know about, you know, the destruction of the environment? Probably not. But do they need to feel a connection and a sense of stewardship towards the environment? Then yes.”

Explore Their Interests

Examples of exploration could be geology from interest in rocks or astronomy if they like looking at stars. Sometimes with inquisitive children, parents don’t have all the answers, so it is a great opportunity to explore and discover together.

“You might find books about it or be lucky enough to know someone in that field of work. It is a great way to connect kids with people who know and care about the environment as well.”

The River Guardians Family Festival

This fantastic event is happening on Saturday May 2nd and is ideal for children.

“Events like these where kids are getting to try different things,” said Kelsie. “They can learn about bees, they can play with mud, they can learn about river health and see animals. It’s a great opportunity for us to understand what our kids are interested in.”

Tree Planting

Kelsie said that winter offers chances to plant new trees.

“Kids love this because they get their hands dirty, they get to plant little baby trees.”

She said it also gives them a sense of ownership, knowing they contributed to new life.

The River Guardians Family Festival is happening this weekend, Saturday May 2nd in South Perth.

Check out the full chat with Kelsie below.