The article reflects on the author's mid-life struggles as a busy mother grappling with family responsibilities alongside a personal crisis of meaning. The author shares how her son Henry's deepening understanding of climate change sparked his 'environmental anxiety', highlighting a growing concern among children today. His obsession with the state of the world prompted tough discussions about adult inaction on pivotal issues. The author's experiences illustrate the intersection of personal life and broader societal worries, ultimately revealing unexpected insights from her son's perspective on environmental issues.
I think there comes a point at mid-life and marriage—no matter how much you love your kids and your husband—when it feels like there are no surprises left anymore.
My oldest son Henry, who was 11 at the time, has always been worldly and bright... He began to really struggle with what I now know is termed 'environmental anxiety'.
He couldn't understand why adults weren't acting on climate change, and I didn't have good answers for him, which compounded his anxiety.
That year, it began to solidify for him—just how dire the future could be if governments and adults didn't prioritize action on climate change.
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