From worry to wonder: Supporting young children's eco-emotions through mindfulness activities

This short colloquium explores how early childhood educators can support young children who may be experiencing eco-anxiety, such as sadness, worry, anger and concern about the environment and the world around them. It introduces eco-anxiety and eco-emotions as emerging research areas in early childhood and positions mindfulness as a way to foster presence and connection. Practical eco-mindfulness activities are provided to support educators in transforming children's worries into wonder, care, and kindness.

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Publication Details

Journal
Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood
Published
2025-11-21
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/14639491251395397
Primary Topic
Environmental Education and Sustainability
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

From worry to wonder: Supporting young children's eco-emotions through mindfulness activities

Leesa Flanagan
Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood
Environmental Education and Sustainability
article

From worry to wonder: Supporting young children's eco-emotions through mindfulness activities

Leesa Flanagan
article en

Abstract

This short colloquium explores how early childhood educators can support young children who may be experiencing eco-anxiety, such as sadness, worry, anger and concern about the environment and the world around them. It introduces eco-anxiety and eco-emotions as emerging research areas in early childhood and positions mindfulness as a way to foster presence and connection. Practical eco-mindfulness activities are provided to support educators in transforming children's worries into wonder, care, and kindness.

Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood
Dundalk Institute of Technology (IE)
Openalex Percentile: Top 54%
Environmental Education and Sustainability
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