The same logic applies to our little ones - we want them to live on a healed and healthy planet and it all starts with teaching them how to take care of their home. 

1 - Spend time in nature: It's by far the best way to teach children to respect their environment. UAE has so much to offer in the cooler months:

• Spend time on the beach, collect rocks & watch the fish swim
• Take a walk in the park and try to spot different birds, bugs & flowers
• Drive to the desert and look for desert animals and plants 

Take this opportunity to talk about the natural habitat of animals & plants and encourage them to interact with nature without disturbing their environment.

2- Talk about the 3 Rs: Reduce, reuse, recycle. It's never too early to start teaching your little ones about the importance of the 3 Rs. Make your own make-shift recycling unit at home with sections for paper, plastic & cans, and have fun sorting through your recyclables with your little ones. 

3- Get them into gardening: Teaching your children to garden from a young age will help them understand the life cycle of living things and will give them a sense of responsibility. 

4- On a similar note, adopt a pet:  This might not be for everyone but if you're already interested in homing a pet, there are lots of pet shelters across the UAE with lovely cats & dogs that will make a great addition to your family. Being responsible for a pet allows for your child to build compassion & respect for animals. 

5- Get involved in the community: From going to a local vegetable market to joining a beach clean-up, being part of community activities will give your little one a sense of respect for their extended home (and not just their immediate surrounding). Use these occasions as an opportunity to talk about the importance of their contribution to society. Why it's important to shop from a family-owned business, why we shouldn't litter, why should we take care of our forests...