Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder is a beautifully written eye-opening novel written by environmental philosopher and naturalist Richard Louv. I would recommend this book to anyone who cares about the well being of the next generation, and that has a genuine passion for the beauty and offerings of nature.
The book talks about how with the boom of virtual technology, peapod suburban communities, community theft, etc., the recent generation of children have never had the opportunity to build an intimate relationship with the natural world around them. Rather than look out the window while driving in the car, they watch a National Geographic documentary on the flip-down LCD screens above their heads or play playstation while they get driven to their recreational sports (sometimes the only contact with nature children have)
Louv brings up thousands of points in the book, but essentially makes the case that this lack of natural contact is affecting children in more ways than we could ever have imagined. He coined the phrase "Nature Deficit Disorder" to describe this generation of children who have been deprived of this contact. Rather than take their children out to play in the park or allow them to roam through the forest with their friends, today's overbearing "hover-parents" attempt to cope with all of societal downfalls by keeping their children inside and within their reach. And what results when this happens? The chilren accept it, stay in the homes, and become addicted to their technology.
And then when they are in school, the teachers inform the parents that their child has ADD because he or she will not sit still. Well maybe if recess wasn't cut that day and their parents would allow them to run around, the complete pschology of this student would be reversed.
Louv does not point a finger at technology, but rather at the parents of this generation. He tackles heavy issues such as childhood obesity, Attention Deficity Disorder, and promotes the up and coming (especially in Michigan) "No Child Left Inside" movement as a response to the educational program that we know turned out oh so well...
Have some spare time to read? Pick this book up. I promise it will not disappoint, and it will really get you thinking about your childhood and ways you can become an environmental steward for our upcoming generation.
2 comments:
This sounds like a very interesting book. I would love to read it becuase as a future teacher, I am always considering childrens health especially when they do not go outside and play anymore. I have younger siblings and they never go outside to play. They are always playing games or watching tv inside. When I was growing up, not going outside was punishment. I love the idea that the author is not blaming technology. It is a parents responsibility to send their children to parks or out in the yard to play.
I too must say that I am very excited to pick this book up! I am a nanny for a family who is very concerned about today's children's future and what an important the environment plays in it. I am also a nanny for a little bot who is constantly plugged into his wii and doesn't ever want to play outside! I know that it is not the fault of the technology itself, but that it is what is allowed by the parents...I feel hopeful that if I subtly introduce this book to is family that maybe his parents will pick up on how much of an influence they have on his activities and what their responsibility is as far as getting him outside to play! I know when I was a kid I was NEVER allowed to stay inside and play, let alone watch tv, if it was a nice day! I hope this book will revert some people's mentality back to those days! Kids need to be outside, being active and engaged with nature!
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