Parenting In A Changing Climate - Book review

Reading Parenting in a Changing Climate by Elizabeth Bechard felt like an honest, refreshing breath of air in the midst of the often overwhelming and chaotic world of climate advocacy and being a parent. Bechard doesn’t claim to have all the answers, and that’s what makes this book so impactful. Her raw and imperfect reflections on navigating parenthood while waking up to the climate crisis offer an intimate look at the emotional rollercoaster many parents experience. She doesn’t shy away from sharing her daily struggles with sadness, grief, and the emotional toll the climate crisis takes—but that vulnerability is what makes her writing so powerful.

The real strength of Bechard’s book lies in the tools she offers for cultivating resilience, taking action, and practicing hope in the face of overwhelming challenges. As a latecomer to the climate movement, her perspective is incredibly relatable, and she offers gold nuggets of wisdom for anyone feeling lost or unsure of how to find their place in this fight. Her journey reflects the complexity of embracing climate action, and she invites readers to explore their own paths, knowing that it’s okay to be imperfect and still be part of the solution.

What sets Parenting in a Changing Climate apart is Bechard’s ability to weave her personal narrative with her professional background. Her experience in mental health, mindfulness, and public health provides a unique lens, allowing her to dive deep into both the emotional and practical aspects of climate advocacy. She draws on her understanding of trauma and resilience to offer meaningful insights into how we can protect our emotional well-being while still pushing forward in this critical fight for our children's future.

One of my favorite aspects of the book, aside from the endless list of must-read recommendations, is the reflection exercises at the end of every chapter. These exercises are not just an afterthought—they provide a unique opportunity for readers to pause, process, and engage deeply with the emotions and themes raised throughout the book. It’s not just about reading and moving on; Bechard encourages us to sit with the discomfort, to reflect on our fears and hopes, and to take those internal reflections into the external world. This is such a valuable tool, especially for parents who may feel overwhelmed by the weight of both their personal lives and the enormity of the climate crisis.

In a world that often pushes us to keep moving, to keep fighting, Parenting in a Changing Climate reminds us that taking a moment to reflect, to grieve, and to heal is just as important as taking action. Bechard’s reflections on hope, resilience, and finding our place in the movement make this book an essential read for any parent—or anyone, really—who is grappling with how to face the climate crisis with grace and strength.

Elizabeth Bechard is a Senior Policy Analyst for Moms Clean Air Force.

She has written some great articles and also some really great policy reflections on how to better support parents through climate change. Here is a great one in case you want to keep reading https://www.momscleanairforce.org/mental-health-elizabeth-bechard-interview/