In Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder (Algonquin Books, 2006), author and chairman of Children & Nature Network, Richard Louv, presents compelling evidence that children who do not experience nature have more mental and psychological disorders such as attention deficit disorder and depression, and physical problems, including obesity. On the flip side, children who spend time in natural places are more creative and well-balanced.
Creativity and Nature Play for Kids
A number of studies cited by Louv compared children playing in green spaces – say a park or sea shore – versus built ones, such as a playscape or city street. Children in green areas engaged in more creative forms of play, such as make-believe. This type of play tends to foster a more egalitarian approach, furthermore, rather than a strict hierarchy.
The National Wildlife Federation (NWF), as part of its Be Out There campaign, said in a statement that children who spend time out of doors get "measurably better grades" in school and "act out" less at school and at home. Additional benefits touted by the NWF include less depression and hyperactivity, longer attention spans, and improved social skills and ability to make friends.
Louv concurs. "Scientists say that children who spend time in nature have longer attention spans," he said in an interview with Suite101. "And there is enough evidence of the benefits that we should consider it a third therapy for attention-deficit disorders," along with medication and behavior modification.
Given the evidence for positive effect on cognitive and creative development, nature play should be a priority for parents who want their children to succeed, he adds. "People talk about nature play as if it isn't important, and what is important is getting your child into Harvard. I say, if you want your child to get into Harvard, take him outside."
Physical Benefits
Louv and the NWF also cite physical benefits of nature play. Doctors say that an hour of play a day, reports the NWF, is a basic tool in warding off childhood obesity and diabetes. Active children also have longer life expectancies. Further, outdoor play promotes stronger bones and lowers cancer risks by providing children with exposure to the sun, which is critical in preventing deficiencies in Vitamin D. (Parents should, of course, limit sun exposure to appropriate amounts, and children should not be in summer sun between 10am and 4pm.) Studies have even shown that children who spend time outdoors have less nearsightedness.
Promoting Stewardship of the Earth
Finally, exposure to nature is critical to developing future generations that will care about, and care for, the natural environment. "In studies looking at environmental consciousness," Louv said, "almost to a person, today's conservationists had some transcendent experience as a young person. If children aren't going out in nature, who is going to care about it in the future?"
Researchers at Bryn Mawr and the University of Illinois, in a report titled "The Impact of Nature Experience on Willingness to Support Conservation", found that time spent hiking or backpacking correlated positively with increased conservation contributions 11 to 12 years later.
Parents play a key role and must be intentional about taking their children out in nature, Louv says. Rather than viewing this as a chore, though, he encourages parents to enjoy the experience. "All of the good things that come to a child also come to the adults who take that child out in nature," he said. Further, parents don't have to be experts. They can rely on others, whether organizations such as NWF, rangers at national and state parks, and local nature centers and gardens. Gardening, in fact, offers an easy way to connect children with nature.
Melissa Gaskill - An independent journalist for 16 years, Melissa Gaskill holds degrees in biology and journalism and writes about travel, nature, outdoor ...
