Do you as parents believe there is such a thing as "Nature Deficit Disorder" and are our kids in danger of it today even more so than compared to our generation or our parents' generation?
I was listening to National Public Radio (NPR) this afternoon to the dentist appointment and heard about this "Nature Deficit Disorder", coined by author Richard Louv, where children's experiences from nature are withdrawn showing symptoms of stress, trouble paying attention, feelings of not being rooted in the world.
I have to thank back when I was growing up, I definitely have Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD) Before knowing Chhimi, I had NO interest in doing anything remotely nature-like including a simple outdoor hike. Seriously, grassy or woodsy area scares me. I need my concrete jungle! I still do. If I have a sidewalk versus a grass to walk on, I'd choose the sidewalk. However, Chhimi definitely did NOT have (NDD) since growing up in Bhutan, the forest was his playground! He's completely opposite of me and craves the nature!
So in our family, I'm glad we have Chhimi to introduce nature to Erik (and me) or else poor Erik would probably be scared of a tree!
How about you guys? Do you think your children or the next generation is lacking in experiences of nature? Such as hiking? National Parks? or even the cul-de-sac area full of trees where the kids can just enjoy watching the leaves fall? (FYI, a soccer field and neighborhood parks may not not count as nature). What are you guys to introduce nature to your little toddlers? Share! Share!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
I don't believe in assigning a "disorder" to a deficit of nature- how ridiculous! However, I absolutely, positively believe that time in nature keeps me sane. It is one of my number one priorities when it comes to sharing experiences with Jackson. Yes, there will be much camping, hiking, lake swimming, etc. in his future!!! Staying indoors and being in suburbia makes me tense- I need fresh air and peace!
Thank goodness both you and Steve are good about nature. I'm getting better at it living with Chhimi for so long that I will actually initiate a "walk in the trails" but of course, if there's a nearby shopping mall, that'd be my priority LOL!
Must we have a disorder about everything? Is there anything left that's normal where we can say, "Oh good! I'm OK!"?
Karalyn has a healthy dose of "nature." We take her on hikes, she's been in lakes, she helps pull weeds in the backyard. She's very interested in birds and small animals.
Whoever wrote about the nature deficit needs to stop writing about it and start living in it.
The book it titled Last Child in the Woods - and it is written by Richard Louv. It is fantastic and whereas the NPR article did latch on the nature deficit disorder - that is not what his book is about. There are numerous benefits to being in nature and the book does a thorough job discussing potential benefits.
Post a Comment