The world is in trouble and children should be aware of it but talking to your kids about climate change can be a little unnerving. After all, you don’t want to scare them but you also want them to be aware so that they can make good choices with their own life. This piece from NPR shares six solid tips for talking your kids about climate change.

The key takeaway is that you should be honest but age appropriate. Older kids would understand the science, the smaller kids not so much. You should speak on how it makes them feel and work on lessening the bad feelings so they don’t overwhelm them.

Also paramount is taking action. Even if it’s just small things in your own home, that will help children understand their place in making a positive change. And as always, look towards the hopeful and good acts that are being done, not just the scary things.