The world our kids will inherit feels uncertain - but there’s still hope

If your social feeds look anything like ours right now, you’d probably describe your mental state as ‘existential, disillusioned, and exhausted of Elon Musk.’ 

---

Divisions we’d convinced ourselves had softened in recent decades are slicing through sharp and fast. The term ‘doom scroll’ doesn’t feel sufficient for the pit in our bellies once we’ve witnessed another twenty colourful infographics explaining how the world is ending.

And with an upcoming election weighing on our shoulders, the future facing the next generations seems smoky (literally and figuratively). 

We should point out that young people today are more engaged, informed, and action-driven than previous generations. 

In fact, according to the Australian Youth Barometer 2023 (Monash University), 78% of young Australians believe they have a role to play in addressing social and environmental issues, and 47% have already taken part in activism or advocacy.

Does that mean we simply hand over the bill of problems? (No, the answer is no.)

There is a lot of fear and uncertainty about how the world will look in ten, twenty, thirty years. Even how it’ll look by the end of the next six months. But this isn’t the first time in history we’ve thought it would all implode. 

The only reason our society has progressed to this point in the first place is because of the people who acted in the face of adversity. 

So how can we do the same for our kids? How do we fight for their future with hope? And importantly, how do we equip them with the skills to take on this era of the world?

1. Show them that small actions aren’t pointless

---

It’s easy to feel like individual actions don’t matter when the problems are so big. (What’s one reusable coffee cup when oil companies are spilling literal millions of litres into the ocean?)

But psychology tells us otherwise. Research into self-efficacy (aka, the belief that your actions make a difference) shows that people who feel like they can create change are more likely to take action – again and again. And guess who learns this best? Kids who see their parents practising it.

So, instead of doom-scrolling and fighting it out with some stranger in the Facebook comments, let’s show kids that action – no matter how small – is worth it:

• Bring them along to community clean-ups.
• Let them help choose sustainable swaps at the shops.
• Show them how to write to a local MP about something they care about.
• Volunteer for a cause together, even if it’s just raising money with a bake sale.

Show them that doing something is always better than doing nothing. 

---

2. Build a community (because no one fixes the world alone)

---

If there’s one thing humans have always relied on, it’s each other. But modern parenting can feel isolating, like everyone’s expected to juggle full-time jobs, endless life admin, and a rotating fridge of half-eaten snacks by themselves. This doesn’t have to be the way

Research shows that kids raised in strong, connected communities are happier, healthier, and more likely to grow into adults who contribute positively to society.

Plus, if we want to change to the world (so to speak) we should probably start with looking after our own community.

So let’s get back to that village mentality:

• Know your neighbours. Say hi. Swap babysitting favours. Build trust.
• Support local businesses and sustainability initiatives. The planet (and economy) will thank you.
• Get involved in school or community projects – because change starts at home.

The stronger our communities, the more we can actually get done without burning out.

---

3. Vote for policies that make a difference

---

This one’s simple: if we want a better world, we need to support leaders and policies that prioritise it. In other words, if you want change, vote for it.

That means:

•  Pushing for better environmental protections.
• Supporting policies that invest in mental health, education, and sustainable infrastructure.
• Holding governments accountable for the promises they make.
• Volunteering or donating to parties who represent your family’s interests.

Personal actions are great, but we need large-scale change too. And that happens when we use our voices, our votes, and a fair amount of pressure on decision-makers.

4. Teach kids which sources to trust

---

Our kids are growing up in a world where anyone can post anything online – and not all of it is, well… true.

Misinformation is rife, and one of the most powerful skills we can give our kids is critical thinking. The ability to question sources, spot biases, and form their own educated opinions will serve them well into the future (especially the one being forged for them). 

At the same time, we need to show them who they can trust. Reputable publishers, reliable studies, and the importance of verified facts and sources. 

Ways to encourage this?

• Ask them what they think about big topics – then help them explore different viewpoints. Learning how to have measured, level-headed conversations is so critical to a healthy democracy.
• Teach them how to fact-check (because not everything on TikTok is gospel).
• Normalise saying, “I don’t know – let’s look it up together.”

A generation of independent thinkers is a generation that doesn’t just accept the world as it is but actively works to make it better.

5. Keep the energy up

---

It takes a lot of energy and enthusiasm to fight the good fight, especially on topics that can be pretty emotionally draining. So, don’t forget to fill your cup.

• Celebrate wins – big and small. Change deserves hype.
• Find ways to make activism engaging. Kids love doing – so get them involved in projects they can see real results from (gardening, upcycling, wildlife conservation).
• Surround yourself with hopeful people. Nothing drains motivation faster than constant negativity. Seek out stories, communities, and leaders who are making real progress. 
• Give the socials a break. Whilst being informed is important, you can’t be proactive if you’re constantly reactive. Take a breather, and try not to give rage-bait your time and energy. 

Wrapping it up

---

The things happening right now are scary – no one’s denying that. The threat to vulnerable kids, the LGBTQI+ community, the environment, and living affordability is real. 

But that’s exactly when we rise to the challenge and show kids how to fight for the good to win. We choose hope because that’s the only way forward.