How do you explain water conservation to a two-and-a-half year old?

Question

We live on an island where most of our home's water supply comes from recovered rainwater. Our little girl - who is two and half, learning to use the potty, and loves playing with water - would wash her hands 50 times a day if we'd let her! And she wants to run the water forever! Is there any way to get the point across to her, or is she just not developmentally ready at this age, to use water sparingly?

Answer 1

Talk about the fish and the fact that if we waste water, fish won't have it. I would also get a book about fish- Swimmy is a good one- and talk about other animals that rely on water. It worked for our son.

Also you may want to still keep an eye on her.

Can you fill a tub of water just for her to keep outside- and cover it so she has a tub with water to play in??? We did this when we lived in an apartment and kept it on the balcony.

Answer 2

I'll try to give you a psychological perspective...

Your toddler is not old enough to understand water conservation. You could try to tell her that the water she uses goes away from the fishes, but she'll only wonder where the water goes after it goes into the sink. Also, she doesn't understand how many quantities relate to each other (see cognitive development), especially quantities of huge proportions.

But that all doesn't really matter. Because your toddler doesn't care what water conservation is. She won't understand that it could make things worse for other people. This is because of her moral development (which is undeveloped).

If you got her to stop doing it, then, that's all you can do at this age. Good job.

If you need her to stop doing it, you may need to use punishment, as it may be the only way to get the point across morally (check Kohlberg source link).

The best you can tell her (for why) is it is bad to do. Tell her that mommy and daddy will not be happy if she does it.

Psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg created 6 stages of moral development.
Your child is probably in the first or second stage.

Answer 3

What I would probably do is fill up a jug of water, and use this to show her how much water she can use because it can run out. Leave a plastic container outside so that when it rains you can show her how the rain water gathers in the container, and explain that even though it seemed like it rained a lot, show her how little was gathered in the container.. I'm sure she'll ask a lot of questions.. I hope this helps a little..

Answer 4

there is no way I know of to expain to a child that size about water conservation. They all love to play in water, maybe you could fill up a small pot of water to play in and tell her when that is gone,splashed out, however it disappears , tell her no more water to play in until tomorrow and repeat the process and then eventually she will get the hint that there is only a little pot of water she can have each day to play in and will try and make it last, Any thing more than that you are wasting your breath, she is just to small. You are going to have to give her a small amount to play in or she is going to fight you every day, who needs that with all the other things you need the water for . Maybe you could let her help with the dishes and when you are done let her float her boats in it and wash her baby dolls in water that isn;t too dirty to play in.Or get her a squirt gun full of water and tell her when the water runs out she has to wait til tomorrow and you will fill it up again.What ever you do you are going to have trouble but I would rater give her a small amout to play in than have her play in the toilet . Wish I could help you more, but that is the best I can do, as a grandmother of 7 and mother of 3.

Answer 5

Unfortunately I don't think at 2 1/2 there is much you can do. You could try hand sanitizer or make a game out of it - how fast can you wash your hands?

Answer 6

She is developing her tactile senses. She will be just as happy if you give her a pan of water in which to play. Play with her. Splash each other. Make it fun for you and her.

Answer 7

maybe u should let her do something that she likes
more than water and maybe u say a sharp NO when
she plays with the water (but b gental at the same time)
then explain life isnt all about water un less ur a mermaide
wel good luck! splish spash

Answer 8

There is no way to explain because at that age it is all about them. Try some hand sanitizer instead and use the word No. I have the same problem with my son who just turn 3. Loves to play in it

Answer 9

you are right to believe a person this age has little logic or reasoning. you are the parent, and are responsible for her actions. now, you can not deny her water, but, you can control her access to it. HOWEVER, it can never hurt to try...be creative.

Answer 10

Just tell her we need to save some water for the fishy's.