Is it possible that we are raising a generation of children who simply are not getting out of doors enough?
This lack of contact with nature may be leading to some of the most disturbing childhood trends, such as the rises in obesity, attention disorders and depression.
This is the premise of nature lover, Richard Louv author of the highly though-provoking book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder
A growing number of children’s advocates and political leaders are worried that our culture’s disconnection from nature is harming kids. Concerns about the long-term consequences on children’s physical and emotional well-being have spawned a national movement to “leave no child inside.”
There is growing evidence that children need unstructured time in nature; they need time to just be children and play in the woods. Parents and teachers worrry that our culture’s current rejection of nature is harming our children’s mind, body and spirit.
Nature Deficit Disorder
While not an official diagnosis (yet) Nature Deficit Disorder is the cumulative effect of withdrawing nature from children’s experiences, but not just individual children. Nature Deficit Disorder can also affect families with increased feelings of stress, trouble paying attention, feelings of not being rooted in the world.
A KQED Quest Program from May 2008 takes a look at Nature Deficit Disorder. The QUEST program explores why we need nature and some of the current efforts to encourage children to play outdoors.
To view the Quest Program click on the image below.
The Children & Nature Network
The vision and mission of the Children & Nature Network is to give every child in every community a wide range of opportunities to experience nature directly, reconnecting our children with nature’s joys and lessons, its profound physical and mental bounty.
The Children & Nature Network (C&NN) was created to encourage and support the people and organizations working to reconnect children with nature. The network provides a critical link between researchers and individuals, educators and organizations dedicated to children’s health and well-being. C&NN also promotes fundamental institutional change and provides resources for sharing information, strategic initiatives and success stories.
Image Source: Tanya Ryno. Computers & Kids. Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved.
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About the Author
Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, CWS is a respected physician, an expert in life challenges, loss, grief and bereavement, professional health educator, professor, lecturer and author. Dr. Dyer is trained in Internal Medicine or an Adult Medicine specialty. She is the mother of two young energetic daughters whom she is educating about nature and making more aware about issues affecting our planet. Dr. Dyer created and has maintained Journey of Hearts, a website for anyone who has ever experienced a loss. She is also the Parent of a very healthy NICU Survivor. She is the author of For Those Who Hold the Littlest Hands, an eBook written to provide information, encouragement and support for NICU parents. |
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