image credit | Benjamin Manley

Season 4, Episode 7: On Parenting, Elections, and Climate with Anya Kamenetz

Thomas and Panu had a wide ranging exchange with journalist Anya Kamenetz (The Stolen Year, The Golden Hour) on the intersections of climate change, parenting, and mental health – in the context of the recent US elections. They discuss the importance of having open conversations with children about difficult topics that are geared to children and teens’ emotional and intellectual development. Each reflected on how they create a sense of hope, meaning, and resilience in their own families. Anya also shared some of her personal story growing up on the Gulf Coast of the US, and her journey as a writer, activist and parent. 

Links

• Anya Kamenetz

• The Golden Hour: climate, children, mental health (Substack) 

• Panu Pihkala, (2020). Eco-anxiety and Environmental Education. Sustainability, 12(23), 10149.

• Film referenced in the episode: Roberto Benigni (1997, Director) Life Is Beautiful