Louv makes a strong case that children are damaged by losing touch with nature and that, in turn, nature has a healing effect upon damaged children. What are some of these categories of damage and healing? What evidence does Louv present, and how convincing is it?
How does Louv's assertion compare to your own experiences with children? How about in your own personal life? Do you see evidence that we as a species have an instinctual need to be in contact with nature? Are you convinced that many of society's ills can be traced to our increasing isolation from the natural world?
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44 comments:
Not about children,; but family, outdoors...
In my childhood we were an active, outdoor family, lots of wonderful time outdoors every day in the yard, pool, outings, vacations...
My mom has Alzheimer's Disease, diagnosed about 2 years ago and it's progressing slowly. She fell at home about a year ago and has been in an Assisted Living program for the memory impaired since then (IE; locked unit). At home mom maintained a 3 acre lot alone, used a tractor to cut the grass, raked, shoveled daily etc until the day she fell. We looked for an Assisted Living program with great outdoor space, expecting her to be outdoors whenever possible. We looked for gardens she could help maintain etc. and we found a wonderful place.
In so many ways Assisted Living is like day care. The group care, the daily routine, the activities, the care giving, the needs and level of understanding of many of the residents etc have so many parallels to working with young children. (We may end up with second careers as the population ages ;)
So, mom has taken a while to adjust. She'd go out into the enclosed courtyard with the group when the weather permitted, planted tomatoes and flowers in the summer, but she still misses home and her yard. Last week my sister decided to take her out. - We don't do this much because she get's disoriented and doesn't remember her room when we return.- She gave my sister a hard time about wearing her coat, (just like a preschooler), it was about 25 degrees out. When they got out to the parking lot, mom turned her face to the sun, took a really deep breath and commented on how good the air smelled and felt on her face and in her lungs. She said it tasted so good! She stood there for several minutes just breathing and clearly enjoying the experience. My sister felt rewarded to give my mother this experience again; just breathing the clean, cold air of winter. Such a simple pleasure.
The sensory experience of just being outdoors on a clear, cold winter day brought my mom real pleasure and calmness that she doesn't get while cooped up all day, day after day, indoors, in a group program...so much like a child. Hurry up spring!
Thanks for listening.
Elaine Coutu
Blue Hills Regional Technical School
Friday, January 30, 2009
I am kind of split on this discussion. When my children were young I had a lot of anxiety about my children's safety. I did more activities indoors, rather then out and I must say my children are not damaged at all. They are 3 beautiful girls who are college graduates, are married and have beautiful children. My stranger danger fears rubbed off on them and it had no ill effects on them.
On the other hand, my own anxieties caught up with me. I went through a period of time were I had a lot of panic attacks and my only real recourse was the out doors. I started walking, walking miles, walking anywhere just to clear my head. It really helped me to get passed things and ease my mind. Still to this day if I am having a bad day, I can go outside and it refreshed me.
I really believe societies ills do not relate to isolation from the natural world. There is no way I can be convinced the economist on wall street are failing at their job because their mother did not allow them to play outside enough.
The outdoors can be soothing and relaxing and for the moment be very medicating, but to connect the outdoors to society ills, is a little pushing it.
To pick up on Linda's reservations, I too find it hard to swallow that contact with nature is the magic bullet that will cure all of our and our children's ills. But Louv presents an avalanche of research studies showing that even being able to SEE nature outside your window has a noticeable effect on your mood and behavior. I am particularly intrigued by the multiple research studies he cites on how children's behavior is different on playgrounds that have embedded components of nature vs. those that don't - including differences in the complexity of their play and the sophistication of their social relationships. What have you seen in your own environments? Is Louv on to something?
I am fascinated by Louv's assertion that "the quality of exposure to nature affects our health at an almost cellular level." How often during the week in our preschool do I hear (or say), "These children need to go outside"? Many of children are in care for 50 hours a week. We strive to get them outside for at least an hour a day in the winter and three hours in the warmer months. Being outside does change them, it softens them, it makes them calmer, hungrier, more tired, more ready to accept teacher directed activities. We allow them to be self directed in the playground. We put out all the "loose parts" and they create amazing scenarios and make discoveries and create groups and dynamics that are exciting and fun. I know being outside changes children's behaviors, I did not know it could change them on a cellular level.
Being outside allows children opportunity that does not exist in the same way in the classroom. Children's personalities change for the better usually. One little girl we have is shy, reserved and walks on her toes around others inside. Outside she forms her own activity and with quiet excitement starts attracting others to what she is doing. Never part of the big group, she is leader of the smaller group and very happy about it. It is her place to lead and shine. We hope she will find this inside the classroom as well but in the more confined spaces, I don't think it is as easy.
Louv discusses pet therapy and gardening therapy, so why not nature therapy to address emotional distress? For my husband it is the mountains and for me a quiet beach in any season. There is restoration there for us, solace and a chance to recharge. Does everyone have a space that speaks to them? If we all had access to our spaces, wouldn't we better for it?
I have to believe that with my own experience and that of the children in our care, that nature is an antidote as Louv suggests. It can reduce stress, deepen your sense of spirit, make you healthier and more creative. At the very least we should be encouraging families to "write nature back into their lives". As pie in the sky as it is to think it can cure the world's ills, it can't hurt and we do need all the help we can get these days.
I've had conversations with friends about my discussion group and the studies by Louv. Many have told stories of their childhood and how they raised their children (out-of-doors was the norm). Most of their adult children are now emphasizing outdoor play when raising their children which is encouraging.
Some of my friends tell of their lunchtime walks and how that time will energize them for the rest of their day.
My sister related a recent walk through the woods on the last snow day. The peace she experienced was profound. I, on the other hand, passed on an opportunity to take part (even as a spectator) at her skating party this afternoon. Family members planned a fire and outdoor fun on the pond behind the family homestead. I gave it some thought---this book discussion came to mind---but decided to spend the time indoors preparing taxes and FAFSA documents--all necessary evils this time of year. I guess I am a wimp when it comes to staying out in the cold, especially when I would be a spectator. Maybe next time!! It was encouraging to know that several family members were planning to be out skating with the children for a few hours.
I was reading a novel while on the stairmaster this morning, as usual, when I came upon the following passages that I had to chuckle at. The novel is The Forgotten by Faye Kellerman, 2001.
Talking about a psychologist who worked with troubled teens. . . "There were essays devoted to his own unique treatment entitled Nature Therapy. It espoused being at one with the earth and land, using a combination of intense group programs out in the wild as well as individual therapy. The articles contained lots of psychological jargon that Decker didn't understand, so he took notes. He wasn't sure what it meant to be "at one with the land," but to him it sounded a lot like camping."
Further on, after talking about Freud, Skinner, etc. "But nothing in psych has yet addressed the fact that we---human beings---have had our core essence stripped by domestication and urbanization. We have moved from the primitive to the advanced. That's good---don't get me wrong---but there is still this residual part of us that longs to be harmonious with nature." . . . "Camping, hunting, fishing. . . they have become hobbies instead of livelihoods. We have become such Urban Irvings that we have forgotten how we were fashioned. Not that we can turn back the clock--time steadily marches forward---but we must deal with this issue of our animalistic side. If we don't harness it into constructive means, the destructive takes over."
Remember this is a novel, but it speaks to what Louv has been saying. Louv speaks about returning to our roots in Wonder Land: Opening the Fourth Frontier. The domestic prairie is a novel idea but I doubt it is a concept I will see in my lifetime.
As a child, I lived in a neighborhood full of children and we all spent a great deal of time outside. I was involved in some organized activities, but had a great deal of time to explore the outdoors, ride a bike, make tree houses with the neighborhood kids, etc. My parents and our neighbors felt play should be experienced outdoors. My own children, on the other hand, enjoy the outdoors and have spent some time climbing our Maple trees, swimming in the summer or sledding in the winter, but are definitely living a more structured life than I did. My oldest plays sports for her high school and for our town and my youngest dances, plays soccer, etc. When they are home, they seem to want downtime indoors. They also spend a lot of time in front of screens and I do my best to limit this, but it is difficult. I have to say that both my girls are great kids, have a lot of friends, and do well in school. I think that spending more time in nature would definitely be beneficial to them, and I want them to be more aware of protecting our environment, but is the lack of time in nature changing who they are? I don't think so.
When reading about the "third frontier" so much went through my mind. One thing still stands out and that is, in other words, where do food and drink come from. Even now, after 20 years working with children, I am still amazed when I ask children where a food product comes from they say "the store." And thus begins a new lesson plan for us. So we then begin a vegetable garden (very small and in containers). The children work very hard at maintaining their garden, from getting the soil ready to watering. And the best part for me is watching their little faces the first time they notice a tomato. They are astounded. Then they can eat it! Wow! So now we have a child who only eats pop-tarts and chips (even for lunch) eating vegetables. I've also noticed how theraputic working in the garden is for them. Topics are discussed by the children that amaze me. And they are working things out. So I really do feel that they children do miss out on something if they do not have this experience, especially the experience of eating what they grow.
The effects of Louv's Nature Deficit Theory can be seen in the increases in obesity and depression in our society today. The high stress, high tech, plugged in lifestyle of our own culture has created a new set of obstacles for families to face. Something as simple and as natural as being outdoors is now the topic of debate.
Without a doubt I feel that nature has a physical, emotional, and spiritual connection for us all and is vital for our sense of well being. In our jammed packed and rushed lives, nature's restorative effects are even more crucial.
I know that placing my computer work desk in front of the window provides me with the break I need to rest, refocus, and clear my head while working. I hope it helps the rest of my family as well.
I had the experience of caring for a little boy from the age of two to six who would later go on to be diagnosed with ADHD in school. Everyday was a challenge and outside could not come soon enough for the both of us. Often he would run all over the yard exerting much physical energy as he moved from one activity to the next. This release lessened his agitation and impulsivity. On other days he would roam the yard on his own, engaging in self directed actvities such as gathering, digging, and exploring with the "loose ports" of our space. On days like this there was a noticable change in his ability to focus and concentrate. It seemed as if he was more ready to learn. This "direct experience" with nature that Louv describes was sensory filled, calming, and restorative for this child. While all of society's ills can not be cured by time spent in the great outdoors, it certainly helps most of us to get through the day.
The need to be outdoors is something that affects all of us, even if we are not aware of it. In today’s world, we can easily not go substantially outside for days at a time. We leave our house through the garage, get into our car, close the garage door automatically, and in some cases, pull into a parking garage at our place of work. Then we repeat the same pattern on the way home. We could conceivably get through the day without stepping out at all. One very important effect of this, which only recently has been coming to public attention, is that as a society we are becoming increasingly vitamin D deficient. One of the main sources of vitamin D is through sunlight. Studies have found that people’s levels of vitamin D are alarmingly low in April/May after the winter months and then substantially higher by August/September. Additionally, we know that some people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder that is brought on by the lack of sunlight during the winter months. Areas of the world where daytime is extremely short in the winter see a higher incidence of this than in tropical areas where the length of day does not vary so much. Could it be that some of the nature therapy that Louv brings up could be successful simply because by being outside we are replenishing our need for certain vitamins or exposure to natural light? Are those the parts of nature that our bodies and our brains actually thirst for?
I am just beginning section 5 of this book. I am loving it! For me personally, I feel like this book is long overdue. I feel almost as if he lives in my own head!
I find myself swallowing whole the fact, figures & studies he presents. Basically I do this because it reinforces my own belief system. I have all intention on re-reading pages I have bookmarked so I can really examine the research a bit more & not react so much on a gut level.
I do not believe contact with nature is a "magic bullet" but I truly feel it has amazing effects. Several folks have attested to this in their postings.
From a purely subjective viewpoint, I do feel we have an instinctual need to be in nature & I do believe this is on a cellular level. We seem to be talking about nature as if it is something apart from us & this to me is frightening. We ARE part & parcel of nature, we ARE part of the great "circle of life" (Lion King reference). When we remove ourselves from it the effects ripple throughout the natural world. We are part of the web & whatever effects one strand affects it all.
Nature is an important addition to anyone's life. Especially children, and at the youngest age as possible. Nature is part of everything. It's a part of who we are and how we came to be.
Taking nature away from or not even introducing nature to a child is almost as bad as neglect or abuse (as you will). nature is our way of escaping from reality and just allowing our senses to be free and even more alert. It gives us the opportunity to explore and use creative imagination. It helps us to escape and relax.
My children are outside most days of the week and every weekend. They get out and do what kids should do, play and grow with nature. I see a negative set of personalities when they don't get out to play and breath the fresh air and blow off that extra energy. they are cranky, bored, argumentative, always hungry/snacky, foul moods run rampant. but when they play outside, everyone gets along, they have a ball, they don't get bored, they invent games and things to do, and they never want to come back in! Just being outside in the environment creates a sense of peace and calm. All thoughts of school and it's endless list of pressures disappear. Life is great outside.
I do believe that nature is also a healing element for many illnesses. Take for example the ADHD child. Get that child outside to play and run around for a few hours every day, and you'll see an amazing change instantly. i have an example that can justify my personal belief... my neighbor has a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD, and because he believes in the same values, refuses to put his child on "drugs to dope her up and be a zombie" just because some school teacher cannot handle her inability to sit still in the classroom. Each day after school, she has the opportunity to play outside in her yard, run with her dogs and climb the trees in our yards. Then, she can calmly sit and do homework and not be distracted. Her body needs to shed the excess energy it has created, her body craves movement and motion, fresh air and freedom, peace and relaxation, and then all is fine. Too bad the school has practically taken outside recess away, because if they didn't, and she could get out to play freely, she would be a better student in the classroom.
I see this as well in the day care children i care for. Get them outside every day, life is good, if we are kept in because of some circumstance, things are negative and we have a bad day. They are grumpy, whiney, and overall bratty.
Outdoors is the place to be.
I would like to respond to Tina for a moment. I do not think that nature is the magic bullet. I do believe that it can be helpful and therapeutic. I do not for one minute believe that more outside time will clear every child’s battle of ADHD. Are there benefits, undoubtedly. But not “drugging” a child based on an uneducated notion that a teacher can’t handle her just leads credence to the fact that perhaps our educational system is largely to blame for many of the reasons we have such social ills in the first place. And by this I mean, demands on teachers don’t allow them to tailor curriculum for the children in their care. Perhaps this child would be part of a group that would be able to have an extra recess if we weren’t pushing to hard to pass a certain test by a certain age. And maybe this teacher recognizes what the child’s needs are but can’t do anything about it. I have a child that would greatly benefit from a quick run up and down the hall to clear his head when he’s over stim’d. But do I have an aide to keep me in ratio? No. Do I have an extra teacher so he’s supervised correctly? NO. Sometimes the systems are to blame. And can’s simply be fixed by a great outdoor space.
I agree there is something to say about children spending time outside and expending their energy making them calmer and more willing to do school work and attending to a variety of tasks. Talking with a friend a few years ago, her son diagnosed with ADHD his IEP (individual education plan) suggested that he have more outside time prior to school. What happened to recess in elementary school and preschool programs within the elementary school? When I was in school, there was a morning recess before school while the busses arrived, a mid-morning recess about twenty minutes and after lunch another twenty-minute recess. I understand now children have one recess after lunch. I remember my own feeling a release a breaking away to go out and run play or just breathe in the fresh air. It rejuvenated me the fresh air the freedom to swing your arms and run and after being able to return to the classroom ready to attend to schoolwork. As an adult, I still need to get outside just to get fresh air and clear my head. I work in a preschool and unless the temperature is too cold or raining, we are outside every day. When the children are inside due to weather you can see in their play, they become uneasy and restless. We all need the outside and nature it gives us a sense of balance.
Elaine thanks for sharing the experience with us about your Mom. In the past year, I began working part time for an agency that assisted the elderly, before they need to go to an assisted living facilty but need minimal help to remind them to eat, take meds and some household tasks and company for them. Most of the people I have had the opportunity to assist just want to go outside and breathe in the fresh air if they cannot get outside they will sit at a window for hours looking out possibly remembering how wonderful it was to be outside. Occasionally with coaxing, a client will talk about when they were young and how they enjoyed family outings at the beach or on a picnic playing games and sitting under the maple tree enjoying the day. Just talking about the experience brings calmness to them smiling and it seems for this brief moment they relived a time in their life that they loved being surrounded by nature.
When my own boys were growing up, our “rule” was that after they came home from school, they had to go outside for at least 30-45 minutes. Once outside, they rarely came in before an hour because even if they grumbled at first when I sent them out, they always found something to do outside that would then capture their interest and keep them out there. Only after this outdoor time, did they sit down to do homework. I remember talking about this with the parents of some of their friends and being told that since they often had quite a bit of homework to do, their rule was homework first, and then if there is time go out and play. Even then, I remember not agreeing with this philosophy because in our experience, I found that my kids buckled down to their homework far better if they did have that chance to be outside running around or going for a bike ride first. This was especially evident when the weather was stormy and that outdoor time was curtailed. Those were the days when getting down to do that homework was often a chore. Think back on this situation with my own children and homework, I have to agree with all of you who have commented on the lack or the cutting back of recess time at school. If we can see children benefit from outdoor time at home, then why should it not give them the same advantage during those long school hours? Louv makes an excellent point of this when he describes a typical school day in Finland. (p. 203.) He says that at a typical school in Helsinki, “After every 45-minute lesson, [students] are let loose outside for 15 minutes so they can burn off steam.” Can we even imagine doing that in our schools today? – But then, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could!
I could relate to Elaine’s comments about her mom. During this winter with all the snow and ice, my mother was afraid to go outside. She would get up in the morning and not feel well – one morning she even called to say that she couldn’t make it through the day. I was able to take some time off and take her places for a cup of coffee. What it difference it has made – just those few minutes from house to car and car to store. Luckily with the melting snow, her confidence in calling a cab and going places has returned. Yesterday she was thrilled, she was going to take a walk in the back yard – just a few minutes can make a huge difference in her health and attitude.
In my experience, it is the same with children. If not going outside for one day can make a difference in their behavior then aren’t the effects of repeated isolation from nature even more damaging. Today children are stressed because everything seems to be fast paced – fast food, video games, even daily schedules. You can’t rush nature – just being outside calms and relaxes children. I wonder if it hasn’t made a difference in children growing up today – maybe if they understood nature better they wouldn’t be so absorbed in the violence around them. Louv tells the story of Ansel Adams as a child and I wonder if that does or doesn’t happen to more children. Nature restored his balance and his self esteem to help make him the successful artist that he became.
When I was a kid my sister and I were outside all of the time. Our tv experience was limited to an hour or so at night (that’s when good shows were on at 7) and Saturday morning early cartoons. The rest of the time we were expected to be outside and so were our parents. When bringing up my own children, I wanted a yard that was big and inviting. My children were very fortunate to have a very big yard that not only invited them to play in it but also the neighborhood. Across the street from us was an apartment complex so all of those kids ended up in our yard for kick ball games and flashlight tag. My children try to get their children out but two of my children live in the city so its hard for them. So the next best thing is that we have carried on a family tradition of camping. We do see a big difference in our grandchildren’s behavior and stress level when we go camping and in the stress level of their parents!
A family member is in the process of moving to Maine. This has been a dream of his for a number of years—to have acres of land and construct a post and beam home. He has four children and both parents have always spent time outdoors with them. He looks forward to the slower pace of the area and exploring his property with the family. The children had mixed feelings when the subject of moving first arose as they were ambivalent to leave their extended family and school friends. The oldest, a 13 year old boy, was the most excited as he shares his father’s sense of adventure and knack for tinkering/building. His 9 year old sister was much more apprehensive, but has come around. The 6 year old twin girls seem to go with the flow. The family has picked up several pairs of snowshoes and gear so they can be outdoors year round.
Personally, this is not my idea of fun and adventure, to move into a mobile home with four young children and slowly rebuild a life—search for work, etc. and eventually build your own home-----but, to each his own. I hope the move is all he hopes it will be and they can keep their sanity!
There are areas of the book that I have put an extra bookmark so I can go back & review....one of the statements that I found very interesting was that the childhood obesity epidemic has coincided with the dramatic increase in childrens' organized sports!! (pg 117)
I take issue with overscheduling children! In my family we only allowed the children to choose 2 activities a week. My oldest daughter, who is now 19, was one who would join every group available! Although I was pleased that she wanted to try different things I felt she needed some time to just "BE"...to just be outside, to just wander aimlessly.
I have a dear friend who I respect as a parent but she believes that her children need to be tightly scheduled & this will keep them occupied & out of trouble. I kind of understand her thinking process but I still disagree. My feeling is that children need more time to be children & not always involved in some scheduled sport or club. Her reply has always been that she knows where they are. Well, I know where my kids are too....wandering in the woods behind our house, watching the clouds, building faerie houses. In her mind this is all well & good as long as it is part of the plan & there is a goal. My goal is for my kids to have fun & learn who they are in relation to the larger world.
Sometimes I wonder if I have done the right thing, maybe I should have let them grasp every opportunity & let them try everything they wanted.
With my younger 2 daughters they seemed perfectly happy to be limited in what they could do. They make good choices in how they use their time.
What happens when these children who are tightly scheduled grow up? Will they ever learn to relax or know how to make choices?
I am anonymous in the last comment..sorry!!
Andrea Witherell spoke of the passages relating to man as a human animal. It is true we have been intimately tied to nature and the land to survive for thousands and thousands of years. How can we possibly expect in one generation to reverse that tie, increase that isolation from nature and not have negative reprocussions. I think it is important as teachers to understand how and why being outdoors is calming to our students and important to their health. Vera Mykyta speaks of both low levels of Vitamin D and SAD as consequences for lack of natural sunshine.
I do a fair amount of animal training (horse and dog).There is an incredibly strong correlation between negative behavior and lack of outdoor exercize.Our pets are exhibiting higher levels of anxiety as they are kept indoors more and more as our indoor companions. This is not how nature intended them to be. If you have read or seen the "Dog Whisperer" he speaks at length about this.I'm not insinuating our children are the same as animals but are children's needs any different? Would you agree that serious childhood anxiety is becoming more commonplace?
The question is how do today's children "balance out?" We as a group told many stories of how we balanced by spending time outdoors in our own childhoods.If we take that away from today's children what do they do instead and is it working? Vera Mykyta discusses the very real effects of Seasonal Affected Disorder as well as low levels of Vitamin D caused by lack of sunshine. I liked how Louv argued that time outdoors should be taken out of the "leisure" column and put in the "health" column instead.
Louv talks about how spending time outdoors can be beneficial to children with ADHD. I don't have any children in my class that have been diagnosed with ADHD,but I do know that when we decided to add and extra 1/2 hour of outdoor time before we started our structured small group time, we noticed a huge improvement in the children's ability to stay on task and participate in group discussions. Every day, I notice that after about an hour of indoor free play, the volume in our classroom goes up and some of the boys start to engage in chasing games or activities that are more appropriate for outside. Once they are able to get outside and release some of this built up energy, they are definitely more calm and focused. It works every time!
Louv talks about how spending time outdoors can be beneficial to children with ADHD. I don't have any children in my class that have been diagnosed with ADHD,but I do know that when we decided to add and extra 1/2 hour of outdoor time before we started our structured small group time, we noticed a huge improvement in the children's ability to stay on task and participate in group discussions. Every day, I notice that after about an hour of indoor free play, the volume in our classroom goes up and some of the boys start to engage in chasing games or activities that are more appropriate for outside. Once they are able to get outside and release some of this built up energy, they are definitely more calm and focused. It works every time!
Each summer my children attend the Children’s School of Science in Woods Hole. Here children ages 7 to 16 learn about science and nature by embarking on daily walking field trips to various natural habitats around this fishing and scientific village. The trips include visits to the local beach, ponds, fields, and woods. After observing and collecting their specimens the children bring back their finds for more in depth exploration in the classroom. They examine creatures under microscopes, do dissections, build aquariums or terrariums and do further research.
Course offerings include Seashore Life, Marine Biology, Meteorology, along with advanced courses like Marine Electronics and Engineering, and Medical Microscopy. In addition to the rich, natural ecosystems in the area, students are also able to take advantage of the world renowned scientific institutions, Wood Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI), Marine Biology Laboratory (MBL) and NOAA. The classrooms can be smelly, slimy, and “icky”, yet no one minds. There are salt water tanks, rusty collecting nets and an assortment of tidal pool creatures (dead and alive). The classrooms are not unlike the labs found in the prestigious MBL.
The combination of field trips and hands on classroom study create a live learning environment for all. No one sits or stays dry at the Children’s School of Science. Children race into school when the bell is rung by hand, by parent volunteers. The learning is pure without the stress of testing or the fear of failure. Children are able to connect with nature and form a lifelong respect and wonder of it. The school has been housed in the same four room schoolhouse on the bank of Eel Pond for the last ninety-six years. The curriculum has advanced, yet there is no T.V. or computers in the building. Learning is direct and interactive. Children can slow down, pay attention and really appreciate their natural environment. Activities can involve contact with ticks, jellyfish, poisonous plants, the sun, and of course the ocean. We all know what kind of fear these things can evoke yet it is dealt with in a routine and matter of fact way. There are rules and guidelines for all. Families know the risks but feel the pros outweigh the cons for their children.
Our time spent at the CSS is the highlight of our summer. My son, like Louv, often asks why “real” school can not be more like CSS. It encompasses so many of the qualities that Louv details and is a sure antidote for Nature Deficit Disorder. The challenge lies in getting our schools and society to sign on to this style of nature based, experiential learning.
I'd like to speak about Louv's discussion on how we can facilitate a "nature - child reunion." He speaks of on pg 149 that "Our children today have to learn to become "attached" to the land in a similar way that Erikson teaches us about the importance of "attachment" to a parent for child development." He alo speaks about "Where will our future environmentalists come from?' If children are not experienceing nature first hand as we did it is likely they will not develop the same personal relationship and therfore the passion to "save it" The demographics of today's environmentalists are aging.
How are those thoughts for the effect of nature deficit. Who will protect our wild, green places? Our animals and plants? How long will an endangered species list have to become for our next generation to realize it's devastating importance. Will a Disney created animal park be their only connection to nature?
Hands on experience Louv says at a critical time is the most important factor in making a naturalist. Not studying about it. He also says, " Other surveys show the importance of an adult who taught respect for nature as another key factor in childhood exposure". That can be us. We can and need to be that adult who teaches respect for nature!
Nature Deficit
In response to your first question, I’ve listed the following “categories of damage” that I feel may be related to nature deficits in children.
* physical inactivity- can lead to unhealthy lifestyles and obesity in later life
* loss of creativity, problem solving and social skills
* too much focus on technology and not enough direct contact with people
* children less able to amuse themselves when playing alone
* some school decreased or omitted the children recess time- even as young as
Kindergarteners
* children may not value nature, conservation, recycling
“Nature presents the young with something so much greater than they are.”(Ch. 7, p.97) We need to continue to emulate this theme to our parents and colleagues as well in our efforts of advocacy for our children and the ones we serve. It is too bad that some children would rather play a video game or be on the computer than to go outdoors and socialize with their friends. I am all for the good and educational aspects that technology has to offer, but I am more saddened about the way it has taken over some of our lives.
I agree with Nancy Wells and her nature restorer theory of children who feel calm after being in nature and can think more clearly. (Ch. 7 , p. 103.) I feel it is very important to break up the daily schedule with outside playground time, especially young children. The children will be more refreshed and able to concentrate on teacher directed group times and creative activities.
The following are some observations that I have noticed when observing preschoolers in regard to outdoor play. Some do not enjoy playing outside and ask to go in the classroom after being outside for a few minutes. Their play is usually focused on a TV show or movie and “follows a script” so to speak. There are usually many conflicts about who is going to be what character and someone often cries because their can’t be more than one princess, for example. The type of play is often stereotypical boys playing a superhero/monster and girls are being a princess, dancer, or animal such as a cat or dog. Some children prefer to play with adults and often need a teacher to help them remain busy on the playground. I often ask the children, especially after a weekend, if they played outside or did they go to a playground. Most of the time they say no and I feel it is due to the family and how busy they are and their comfort level about allowing the child to play outside alone.
I feel there is a strong correlation between some of “societies ills” that are related to
a child’s lack of natural experiences. In the future more research needs to be done in the areas of attention-deficit, creativity, and health issues( physical, mental and spiritual) in children.
I was very moved by Elaine's account of her mother and the therapeutic effects the outdoors has provided her. So glad you found a place for her that recognizes nature's benefits! I too have been struck by the many parallels between seniors and young children, and between Assisted Living and child care.
My mother turned 90 yesterday and has been in and out of hospitals and rehab places since undergoing open-heart surgery last October. She would agree wholeheartedly about the points Vera Mykyta made about vitamin D and Seasonal Affective Disorder. Before her surgery she gave herself 10 minutes a day of sunshine whenever she could and purchased special electric lights for all of us that replicate natural light. I recently found a sunny window in her rehab center and suggested that we go there to read. I was amazed at how just sitting in the sun improved her spirits, and hopefully her vitamin D levels as well.
When I was still a preschool teacher I was always drawn to the children other teachers avoided. I worked for a children's agency for many years that had a large protective service contract with DSS. Most of these children came from very complex, dysfunctional families. The best thing I ever did for them was to start a small vegetable garden at that school. My best gardeners were the children other teachers found the most challenging. My colleagues were amazed at how focused and productive these children were in the garden. Clearly the garden soothed them and satisfied them more than I'd ever dared hope. My gardening and other nature experiences with children have led me to buy into Louv's belief that "Nature play strengthens children's self-confidence and arouses their senses - their awareness in the world and all that moves in it, seen and unseen." (page 184)
We all know as people who teach early childhood that rainy days cause constant behaviors issues. We used to have children arrive for free play time . Then we would go into a large meeting time and transition the children to am snack. Since reading this book ( and taking a research class where I looked at the research surrounding the benefits of eating breakfast on school performance and behavior) we have decided to change our schedule so that we have open snack (which is basically breakfast0 when the children arrive in the morning and then we get them outside at 9 am when everyone is expected in. We keep them out this first time for about a half hour then bring them back in for small circle and centers. Then we take them out again about an hour later. After only a short time of doing this we have seen a big change in attentiveness and behavior.
The children in my daycare are always anxious to get outside to play, which we do as often as the weather will permit. They are never bored or dis-interested when they are out. There is always a new castle to defend or a new mud pie to be created. Being outside opens their creative minds, there are less limitations than being inside. Here they can RUN, JUMP,and PLAY HARD!! Children need to be able to be able to explore all life has to offer, enjoying nature and enjoying indoor playtime.
I realize that this study is based on CHILDREN'S Nature deficit disorder, but I must admit that being outside, close to nature, puts ME in a better frame of mind. Yesterday, I had my daycare children out, the weather was mild, in the 40's, the sky was overcast, cloudy, but the children were having a blast. They were running around, reclaiming the toys that had been buried in the snow and ice and having a great time. I was watching them and went over to my garden and found that the daffodils had broken through the leaves and stood about 6 inches above the ground, they had survived the winter, AGAIN, it always amazes me, the miracle of nature! I showed the plants to the children and they shared in my excitement, then, the sun broke through and I saw my shadow, boy, did this excite ME!! I must say, if I, being middle-aged and having seen this natural wonder for sooo many years and still getting excited, I wonder how the children feel, do they care? It is up to me to make sure they appreciate what is happening around them, to appreciate the things in nature that can be taken for granted if they are not acknowledged.
I agree with you Deb, being outside is always a wonder and very often full of excitement. It's also an advantage because we live in New England and can experience all aspects of nature and the seasonal changes it has to offer. Watching each season change into the next is a wonder for all ages, we learn something with every change. and that fascinating in itself. Yes, the children do benefit and learn, we remind them and show them, and they remember. We're carefully watching for our daffodils as well, looks like it'll be soon, and we're out there every day checking the branches of the trees watching for new leaf buds. Nature and all it's wonders are an every day learning experience, and a classroom all it's own.
I wasn't sure what section this should fall under, but i think it'll fit here best....
since i had started reading this book and it having such a powerful impression on nature and it's advantages, I made a suggestion to my sister in law who was having some serious issues with my niece who is 3 years old and experiences some very bad night terrors. Some background first.... my sister in law is your typical helicopter mom to the max, she has over scheduled her daughter in every organized activity we can think of, at least one for every day of the week, 7 days a week, she has this kid in a strict scheduled routine from the minute she wakes in the morning to the second she goes to bed at night, right down to counting 9 fruits and vege servings a day. Can you imagine the stress and pressure that's on this 3 year old's shoulders??? No wonder she's having night terrors.
After watching this entirely too many times and not being able to keep my mouth shut any longer, i suggested to my sister in law to omit half the scheduled activities, allow her some free time during the day and to get her outside to play freely in the yard at least an hour every day. Even a walk around the neighborhood to breathe the air and allow the stresses to fade. After much persistence from me, she tried a daily walk and "allowed" her daughter to play freely with her toys in her room with no structure and no pressures. Let me tell you, even after the first day, she called and told me her night terrors and daily meltdowns have already lessened and are not so strong. She's still working on her daughter, but as the season is getting warmer, she's spending more time outdoors and seems to be a much happier child, and her night terrors are not as frequent.
I'm not saying it's the answer to the problem, but I'm thoroughly convinced that fresh air and outside time has made a huge impact on a road to a better childhood.
S.A.D.
I’m almost finished the book and have been surprised that Louv has not mentioned Seasonal Affect Disorder. Early in the book, he briefly talks about the dramatic increase in antidepressant treatment of children for depression, but not the effects of less exposure to outdoor light and its effect on mood. Maybe Seasonal Affect Disorder is still a controversial diagnosis, but we all recognize the general changes in our own mood as the cold short days of fall bring us indoors for the winter?
Today’s Boston Globe has an interview with Dr. David Mischoulon about SAD, how seasonal changes affect our mental health. He explains that we as human animals are genetically wired to slow down in winter like hibernating animals. For those vulnerable to SAD the depressed mood, sleep disturbances, appetite changes (including carbohydrate cravings), poor concentration and social withdrawal cause significant problems in daily functioning that effect school or work performance as well as interpersonal relationships. If children are spending significantly less time outdoors, particularly in the winter, isn’t it likely that there will be an increase in the diagnosis and chemical treatment of depression?
Want relief? A week in a sunny warm tropical place would work, but so will increasing our time outdoors directly absorbing the light of the sun.
I continue to be amazed by the stories everyone has shared and the thought provoking ideas that I have read on our blog. I really liked what Patricia, Tina and others said about limiting children’s activities and forcing them to make choices. If a child is programmed to go from one activity to another and lacks the freedom to choose their own activities, then they must feel the same stress that we do when we have to run from appointments to work, to errands, to making supper. If I get worn out and cranky, children must be so much worse. It also impairs that decision making. If they just follow the program for the day, they don’t have to think about whether they want to go to dance or to a sport. [Personally I don’t think children under 5 should have any organized activities with the exception of pre-school or story hour. Dance, music lessons and sports can wait until at least first grade.] How do children learn to make decisions, like should I cross the street or not or can I climb this fence or not? It starts with making decisions of what or who to play with and we have taken that away from children. Children don’t choose to be in childcare for 9 or 10 hours a day, so how do we make sure that they don’t over stressed by our routine for the day? I enjoyed reading about Susan’s experiences with Woods Hole and Theresa’s comment about instilling respect for nature in children. Does anyone have ideas to make our summer programs more like those? Some of us are limited to a playground without access to fields and woods and ponds. How can we create nature parks for the summer rather than just taking the easel, books and dramatic play outside? I would love to see another strand started where we could share the things that we are doing this spring in summer to bring nature and children together.
Thank you carol. In response to your concerns as to what some of us do during the summer... I take my children, even the day care children, to the beach at least 3 times a week. We spend a lot of time there, and it has so much to offer. We go to Damarast Lloyd State Park Beach in Dartmouth, and play all day. The tide goes out, and the sand bars are perfect for the kids to play for quite a few hours without any concerns of big waves or even water getting too deep. When the tide is low, one can walk out for a good mile and the water never gets above the knees and no waves or undertow. We dig in the sand, make sand castles, search for rocks and shells, watch the birds, fly our kites, eat lunch. I bring a tent, and those who want to get out of the sun or nap can do so comfortably. Everyone showers off, changes into clean clothes, and they are asleep the entire drive home. Because it's a state park, it's clean, well maintained, and life guards are on duty. We are there from opening time at 10am, and don't usually leave until 330pm. And the kids love it.
another activity we do in the summer... tend to our rock garden and paint rocks to add to it, and picnic outside. We spend usually 90% of the day outside during the summer months. we eat lunch and snacks out there every day. we even nap outside. For our other adventures out, enjoy Wheaton Farm...the paths and woodland walkways are great for the kids. Another favorite is Blue Hills. These places are great, as we can enjoy a picnic lunch anywhere, and it's a free and open non-structured place of nature. I don't stress over nap times or "classroom" type of activities when we get out. It's summer, time to enjoy the sun, life and each other. The days are wide open and we take full advantage.
So get out, enjoy what short summer we have, and don't stress over those other things!!
ADHD helped through outdoor play-
I was reading Tina Souza and Kathleen Hallett’s comments about the affect that the outdoors has on children who have ADHD issues. It reminded me of a couple of children that I have had in the past who
showed increased attention span, less impulsivity as well as calming their behavior after they had access to the outdoors periodically. When we had enough coverage in the classroom, we were able to bring the child outside on the playground for 10-15 minutes in addition to our regular playground time. Upon entering the classroom again, the child was better able to focus and participate in teacher directed activities, as well as improving their social interactions with their peers.
Louv states in chapter 8, page 99, “Nearly 8 million children in the U.S. suffer from mental disorders, and ADHD is the more prevalent ones.”
That is just sad and disheartening to me having family members that suffer
from depression. It is bad enough for adults to cope with it and children should not have to endure it also. I am all for trying alternative ways , natural cures rather than relying on medication. Especially in a child’s
case, many other ways of treatment should be attempted and medication
should be a last resort. Every where you turn, there are ads for this or that drug and we have become a society of thinking we need a pill for every little ailment when there are so many natural cures. Most of my reluctance to medications is because of the many side effects of taking them. More research needs to be done in this area to see the effects of nature and behavioral therapy on ADHD children, both girls and boys.
Spirituality in Children
I would like to comment on Susan Benton’s belief about children’s
spiritual connection to nature. I agree with her as well as Louv and Robert Coles that children can feel a deeper awareness of their senses the more time that they spend in the outdoors. I just got Robert Coles book, The Spirituality of Children from the library and look forward to learning more about this topic. In Coles book, Abraham J. Heschel states, “To be spiritual is to be amazed.” I know for me, as a Christian, I am often in awe of God’s creations when at the beach, walking my dog, horseback riding, or observing the seasons, for example. It is very calming for me to be outdoors in close contact with nature. When I am sad or upset, outside is where I find the most solace in prayer time and walking is the best “medicine” for me. My hope for young children is that they will also look to the many possibilities that being outdoors and exploring nature can provide. Primarily for the comfort and happiness it can bring instead of the emptiness of technology such as T.V., computers and video games have to offer.
I love the comments related to nature that some of the children talk about in Chapter 6, pages 136-139 in Robert Coles book. For example,
*“The Lord wants us to get down to business like a squirrel gathering nuts.”
*“Today I saw the sun coming up and I was glad, I should be double glad because I can see it.”
*“Does a tree hurt or a rock?”
*“God must hurt when a tree is in trouble.”
*“ I wonder if we are the only ones who think.”
*“Maybe God lives on one of those stars.”
I would like to know how others feel about children’s nature and spirituality connections, if it is not too late to start a new thread.
I want to address the question of if we as a species need to be in contact with nature and if societies ills can be traced to our increasing isolation from the natural world. First I would like to echo what Theresa Gormley said about what we are expecting within just a few short generations and our ties to nature. The industrial revolution and all things electronic are NEW in comparison to all of human history on this planet. We have come so far technologically in an extremely short amount of time. Just a hundred years ago we spent our time indoors very differently. Our schedules were different, our lifestyles were different and the expectations for many things were very different. Biologically, I do think we as the human race, do tend to discount the role nature plays in our existence in the past and currently. We need nature. We need it not only for the sun, air, water and environment it provides for us but for the addictions that society has developed and ultimately our use and abuse of nature has given us. Much of the world and our society as it is now was created by us not by nature. We are from nature but we are creating the unnatural. We are creating an unnatural environment for our children and find it hard to understand why our children have difficulty conforming to what we create. We expect our children in elementary and high schools to sit and not fidget and be good listeners when we ourselves as adults may have difficulty in doing the same thing for hours at a time. I think that ultimately it is not the ills of society but the ills of nature that point to society that can be traced to our increasing isolation from the natural world! Spending time in nature is not going to fix all of our problems but certainly if we spent more of our time appreciating the natural world, we will be less apt to abuse it and benefit not only ourselves but our planet and future generations as well.
I too seek out nature regularly for comfort and therapy. When my brother died unexpectedly I spent a lot of time walking Duxbury beach. It was the only place I could find comfort and begin to process the shocking reality of his loss. The wind and the rhythm of the ocean soothed my soul greatly. I think children clearly benefit from the rhythms of nature also, and perhaps it helps them to process events in an often strange, adult-oriented world.
How lucky Tina Souza's children are to go regularly to Demarest Lloyd State Park! Duxbury beach is nice, but Demarest Llloyd's among the best beaches I've ever taken children to! We've been there a few times for field trips, and I highly recommend it. Whether you go to the beach, the forest, a garden, park, or find nature in your own backyard, I think it's important to identify at least one place that soothes and comforts you during difficult times.
Debbie, I agree with you in regards to depression and the quick fix pill! I myself suffer from seasonal depression, and have spoken to my primary physician about treatment options, other than getting outside as much as possible, and sitting by the window for sun and natural bright light, he has also advised St. John's Wort, a natural herb used for mood enhancement. And I have to say, I've been taking this herb, one daily, for over a year (minus the spring and summer months), and I feel great. I feel myself thinking positively and just overall don't get into the slump of depression that I once did. It certainly does not take the place of nature and what I know nature does for me, but it helps during the doldrum months. My point is... I have done research and searched for a better answer to my situation, instead of the quick fix of a prescription and meds. A good idea for anyone to do, especially for children. Because like Debbie said, the side affects alone stop me from taking medications that in reality aren't necessary, and most certainly aren't necessary for children. If we just looked deeper into their situations as individuals, we could most likely avoid unnecessary meds that turn these children into zombies. Because each child is different - the solution is different.
Nature Deficit
So many wonderful entries and ideas. My thoughts on nature deficit disorder are many; I’ll share a few. I do think on some level we all do need to be in touch with nature; I have a dear childhood friend who actually has made me come to realize that SAD is indeed real and not just another “buzz” term. I’ve heard the special indoor lights that simulate outdoor lights are actually a helpful product. When my son broke his fourth bone (he plays hard) three things were immediately looked at – his diet, is he playing outside enough (vit D) and of course, what was he doing when he broke the bone. How nice we were not questioned as parents about mistreatment, but more - is he getting outside to play enough. Participating in this class reminds me of the confidence we have in our pediatrician; our practice does recognize and encourages outdoor play and talks to us, as parents, each year at our children’s annual check-ups about the importance of play and outside time for healthy development.
When working with children and spending time with my family I find outside time is often so much more relaxed. I’ve noticed my children choose to walk to the bus stop – we find it is a great time to make observations about the outside – a leaf covered with frost, new tracks left in the snow, a puddle to jump in, a woodpecker in a tree or a heron flying overhead…the list goes on. I probably sound horrible judging others, but with some concern to my carbon footprint and aware of more global concerns I wonder just why so many parents drive their children a few house up to the bus stop.
I am not convinced that society’s ills can be traced to our increasing isolation from the natural world; I think there are many other factors involved. I do think though, that as we make these “gains” forward with progress and technology we sometimes put nature on the back burner or even forget it for awhile. While my children have played organized rec leagues and participated in classes (swim) before grade one, I do wish we would slow down the pace for children. I feel I have valid reasons to enroll my children in the programs; I also know I schedule plenty of unstructured, down time for them. I think unstructured time and time outdoors “just playing” is so essential for children. I find it bothersome as an educator that recess time is so quickly cut from the school day in order to increase time on learning. I will remind my school committee members the importance of recess time and use some quotes form Louv as they continue to make policies that do affect our children’s growth.
Children can be so empowered making their own discoveries and seeing successes and failures in their play; I do not see the necessity of providing entertainment for children all the time. The lights and sounds toys currently on the market and the amount of “screen” toys seem geared to entertaining or teaching children. The covenants certain neighborhood must adhere to sometimes shock me – no visible basketball nets, no clotheslines. The effort to create a home can get guided by these outside rules which then affect families contact with outside/nature. I know I love the smell of sheets fresh from the clothesline. The hurriedness and fast pace our society moves at and the increase in health concerns as the obesity rate rapidly increases seem to parallel to a disconnect to nature. The benefits to spending more time (considering safety factors like sunscreen) in nature, the calmness, releases and discoveries it allows seem to be worthwhile.
Jane Rotondi
In relation to SAD; one of my daughters suffers from depression & she needs to be on medication during the darker months. We tried every other alternative treatment with no luck. She tries very hard to get outdoor time as much as possible during these months as she has found she feels better when she does. Thank you for bringing this topic up...the connection is a good one!
As for the comment on children's spirituality & nature...I could not agree more how intimately we are tied to Her cycles & rhythms. My spiritual path is nature based so it is where I am connected. I love the quote posted "to be spiritual is to be amazed"...I think that can be said for any path one follows & is a beautiful way to put it. I read Robert Coles book awhile ago, interesting read, thanks for reminding me!
Wow! So many things I agree with in these comments. I'm not the only one saying "We've got to get these kids outside"!
I can also relate to Debbie-Lynn's story about gardening with children. We have done the same over the years (not consistently I'm sorry to say) but everytime we've done so we have a large majority of the children who are excited to be involved, work in dirt and see the fruits of their labor. They are truly disappointed when we have to go back indoors.
Debbie-Lyn's pop tart and chip eating child who suddenly ate veggies is something I've seen as well. This year we had one child who had never tasted a cucumber until we began to pick them from our garden and eat them at afternoon snack. His father was completely flabbergasted! As many times as they offered it to him at home he wasn't having any of it. The experience of being a part of the process and being invested in it was huge influence. His pride in his part of the process was apparent and it was wonderful to see that and to be part of his experience.
I can also think of another child we had who had sensory issues. As a toddler, we employed deep pressure to help him soothe himself. As a preschooler, we still did that but his need seemed to be greater. He was difficult to handle in the classroom. When he was outside he was a bundle of energy - constantly running and jumping, tumbling and falling, (a lot of times into the other children) but his need to run and exert the pent-up energy was real. Being outdoors, even in our sterile playground (and not in a truly natural setting) was tremendously beneficial for him.
I too, agree with Patricia that this book is long overdue. I think we need to offer parents the opportunity to join us for workshops on the subject. Today so many of the parents we serve are goal-oriented and that spills over to their children's activities. Any "free" time has to have a purpose and/or a goal and really free time outside to simply explore and relax seems to them a waste of precious time.
I don't know that we can be the ones to remind or even acquaint some parents with the benefits of nature - but we can certainly make it as available to the children in our care as is possible in our individual settings. While I'm not convinced nature is the cure-all for society's ills I do believe it has a positive physical, mental and spiritual impact on all of us.
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