 If you have children, “Last Child in the Woods,” by Richard Louv, is probably one of the most important books you’ll read. Louv discusses a trend he calls nature-deficit disorder. This disorder is the result of a disconnect between children and nature which Louv believes causes a variety of symptoms, including obesity, attention-deficit disorder (ADD), and depression.
We live in an age of electronics. Electronic stimuli lurk everywhere: TVs, computers, iPods, and hand-held gaming devices are in practically every American home. The average child spends more than forty hours each week plugged in to some kind of electronic device. Sixty-six percent of Americans eat dinner while watching TV. In the 1950’s, fewer than ten percent of American homes even owned a television.
It’s not surprising, then, that our kids aren’t getting enough exercise. More children are obese now than ever before, which can be attributed to too many calories and not enough exercise. Instead of playing outside and getting exercise, our children are couch potatoes.
Nature lacks the stimuli of electronic entertainment. The average commercial changes images more than two times each second, and often inundates its viewers with multiple stimuli (visual, audible music and audible voices). In nature, things slow down considerably, forcing a mind to decompress and think more slowly. If children lack this time to be patient and slow thinking, ADD is likely to become a problem.
Furthermore, depression can creep in when a child doesn’t get enough vitamin D from the sun. Taking your children outside can prevent depression. Nature provides opportunities to learn problem-solving skills, like how to get from the bottom of a mountain to the top, for example.
As Louv points out, nature-deficit disorder can cause children to think of nature as something abstract instead of real. A recent study found that more children could identify Pokemon characters more easily than they could name an otter, beetle, or oak tree. Thus, Louv argues for an appreciation and awareness of the natural world. Nature can teach kids science and nurture their creativity.
Throughout “Last Child in the Woods,” Louv offers a bounty of anecdotal evidence that practically begs for you to take your kids outside. He recommends simple steps, like hiking, bird watching, fishing, and even disorganized play, such as just going out into the woods and creating a make-believe game.
After reading Louv’s book, you will undoubtedly want to throw out your TVs and head to the mountains. While such drastic steps aren’t needed, small steps can be important. Encourage your children to plug in to electronics less. Instead of taking them to a movie, take them on a hike. Go camping. The great thing about being in nature is that, for the most part, it’s free.
Consider your memories twenty years from now. Would you rather have your child talk about his or her fondest memories outdoors or the movies they saw? Would you rather they remember their childhood weight problems or the summer camping trips? After reading “Last Child in the Woods,” you’ll pick the better of the two options, guaranteed.
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