How to Teach Children Not to Step on Caterpillars

After learning about caterpillars, a child might enjoy playing with them.

Children are often amused, scared or disgusted by insects with multiple legs that crawl on the ground. Caterpillars fit into this category even though they eventually turn into beautiful butterflies and moths that children admire. An important part of raising a child is teaching him about boundaries and responsibility to the world. Stepping on caterpillars might seem like harmless fun, but it causes damage to the environment. Teach your child to respect caterpillars and he will gain insight into respecting the rest of nature.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic container with lid
• Knife
• Water
• Plant (dill, parsley, milkweed)
• Cotton netting

Instructions

1. Tell your child it is wrong to step on caterpillars. Explain to her that caterpillars turn into butterflies and moths that are not harmful and are sometimes very pretty. Tell your child she will be punished if you see her step on another caterpillar. Explain to her what her punishment will be. The punishment could be a time-out, not being able to play with a favorite toy or not being able to play with friends.

2. Express your disappointment if you see your child step on a caterpillar. Tell him you are sorry the caterpillar is no longer living and will never turn into a beautiful butterfly. By doing this, you allow the child to experience the natural consequences of his behavior and he might not want to do it again. Follow this up by punishing your child in the way you told him you would. Make sure the punishment occurs soon after the incident.

3. Model behavior by acting respectfully toward living creatures. Your child will be more likely to respect nature if you show respect for it as well. This means admiring bugs and insects with your child and avoiding killing them whenever possible.

4. Teach your child about caterpillars by keeping one as a pet. Poke holes in the lid of a plastic container and fill the container with water. Place the lid back on the container and poke plant stems through the holes in the lid. Use plants such as fennel, parsley and milkweed to attract caterpillars. Place a caterpillar on the plant and cover the plastic container with cotton netting. Allow your child to watch the caterpillar eat, grow and eventually turn into another creature. This will help her understand the life cycle, which in turn helps build respect for the caterpillar.

References

• University of New Hampshire: Teaching Children Self-Control and Self-Responsibility: Parenting 101 ; Ann Hamilton
• University of Minnesota: Guidelines for Setting Consequences With Your Child
• University of Wisconsin: How to Raise Caterpillars