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Nature Deficit Disorder

KIDS HAVE 'NATURE-DEFICIT DISORDER,' JOURNALIST SAYS

Lauren Showstead sends her boys outside nearly every day to play. In the summer, 5-year-old Justin and 3-year-old Brian collect bugs, pick up worms and explore nearby ponds and marshy areas.
Ref. https://deseretnews.com/dn/view/1%2C1249%2C...48893%2C00.html

Disorder Deficit Nature

The truth is that most parents feel "secure" having the children playing inside of the home but it is true that children need to be exposed to nature and learn some new abilities. Some kids just do not know what it is to touch a leaf or play with snow and based on a study lots of children who suffer of attention disorders are due to lack of contact with nature.

Nature Deficit Disorder Reviews Consumer & Travel Family Culture

Ever since my son was born, we would take strolls in the park on the weekends, and occasionally make the trip to the playground too. He was one year old before he came in contact with grass and to see him curl up his legs when we'd lower him to it was too funny! Now, my son, my husband and I go running in the sprinklers when it's especially hot outside and as soon as he sees the front door open all he wants to do is run outside to the grass.
I'm hoping that I'll have the discipline to limit his TV and game playing as he gets older, but I'm sure that won't be a problem as outdoorsy his father is. I think it's so important for him to not waste his life away in front of the TV. If anything, maybe I could implement something like ~no tv or video games until you've played outside or have been active for at least one hour~.

Disorder Deficit Nature

My husband and I try to teach our children about nature and things around them, they spend a lot of time doing outdoor activities.
More than anything, I feel that in the winter months children who do not go outside, lack vitamins that they could gain by being outside in natural light.

One of the down sides to teaching my kids to look at bugs insects and worms etc, is the fact that unlike me, they have no fear in handling them!

My little girl especially likes to go fishing, and if given the chance can't wait to get hold of the maggots (as long as she doesn't come near me with them)

Disorder Deficit Nature

I couldn't agree more. Besides the reasons already stated, when children are not exposed to nature they actually develop an aversion to it. I've been to wilderness camp with teenage girls who are in misery because of a few bugs and a little dirt. They just don't know how to handle it.