In this special episode on the week of Earth Day, we welcome Leslie Davenport, internationally recognized climate psychologist and author of What to Do When Climate Change Scares You, to explore how climate change uniquely affects children and how adults can support them with care, honesty, and confidence.

Leslie shares how she became a climate psychology educator and why children are especially vulnerable to climate related fears. We discuss the kinds of worries children are expressing today and how those fears often show up through behavior, play, and emotional responses. She offers guidance on when and how to begin conversations about climate change across different ages, from early childhood through adolescence.

This conversation focuses on helping adults respond without minimizing children’s concerns, while also avoiding overwhelm. Leslie explains how families and educators can foster resilience, agency, and hope, and when developmentally appropriate advocacy can be a healthy way for children to feel empowered rather than helpless. We also discuss her advice column, Ask a Climate Therapist, and how reflective, compassionate dialogue can help children navigate big feelings about the world around them.

This episode is for parents, educators, therapists, and anyone supporting children in a time of global uncertainty.

Where you can find Leslie and the amazing work she does:

Website: www.lesliedavenport.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliedavenport/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ldavenportauthor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeslieDavenportAuthor/Leslie's advice column with Grist: https://grist.org/looking-forward/ask-a-climate-therapist/