In today's rapidly changing world sustainability is no longer just a choice - it is a necessity. The 21st century demands a new way of thinking and living - one that is rooted in sustainability, responsibility and care for the world around us. Children learn best not through instruction but by observing and imitating. The foundation of this mindset needs to be laid early in life and the best way to do so is through the strong bond between parents and toddlers.

In my long journey as an educator, I have seen trends in education come and go. I have seen parenting styles evolve. But one thing has remained constant - the most important lesson a child ever learns, are not taught within the four walls, but within the four walls of one's heart, in the sacred space of one's relationship with them. A relationship that is resilient, that can weather the storms of adolescence and the complexities of adulthood.

A sustainable relationship is not about grand gestures or expensive gifts. It's about the small, consistent, daily acts of love and connection. It's about soil, the water, the sunlight and the air that we should provide for our child's growing soul.

Here are a few simple yet powerful ways parents can cultivate 21st century sustainable skills with toddlers:

• Sustainable habits at home – Teach toddlers to switch off lights, fans, and taps; involve them in sorting waste; reuse materials for crafts; and model mindful consumption by taking only what is needed and avoiding waste.
• Resilient problem-solvers – Encourage children not only to embrace success and failure with courage but also to think of small solutions to everyday challenges (like repairing a broken toy instead of discarding it). This builds confidence and a lifelong growth mindset.
• Love for nature – Plant trees, garden together, or take regular nature walks.
• Balanced lifestyle – Promote healthy eating with home-cooked meals, regular physical activity, and balanced use of technology. Encourage screen limits while offering real-world alternatives like storytelling, puzzles, or outdoor play.
• Empathy and inclusivity – Encourage toddlers to share toys, clothes, or food with the less privileged, while also celebrating different cultures, festivals, and languages to nurture compassion and respect for diversity.

These skills are small in action but lay the foundation of lifelong sustainable thinking, blending care for self, others and the planet.

So, as we stand on the cusp of the future, let us tend to the gardens of our toddlers’ hearts with a rich soil of trust, life giving water of unconditional love, the warm sunlight of shared joy and the fresh air of authenticity.

Ameeta Guha Neogi
Principal
(G.D. Goenka Toddler House, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal)