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Climate change predictions can be scary for kids. What can you say?

Climate change can be a scary topic for kids. Here's some expert advice on how to discuss environmental issues in an age-appropriate way. 

<p>Deyi Chen, right, knits a mat out of plastic grocery bags as classmates Chloe Winchell, left, and Tammeka Mai, right, look on. The mats knitted by the students will ultimately be given to those who are homeless. <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: italic;">(Photo: By Michael Clevenger, C-J)</span></p>

Predictions for a planet affected by climate change can sound like they're ripped from a doomsday novel: stronger hurricanes, intense heat waves, rising sea levels and the disappearance of ice in the Arctic.

And scientists have seen some of those changes already taking place, according to NASA.

Climate change — as well as other environmental issues like deforestation and wildlife extinction — have the potential to be scary for children. The implications of climate change can contribute to stress, depression and anxiety for everyone, but especially for kids, according to a study released this year by the American Psychological Association, Climate for Health and EcoAmerica.

So how can parents approach these topics with their children? Here's what experts had to say.

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