Nature Deficit Disorder – Do Your Kids Have It?

It’s called Nature Deficit Disorder. Do your kids suffer from it?

Nature Deficit Disorder is not a recognized medical disorder – although many believe that it should be.

[popazon id=”57ba901e60bde” show_price=”true”]Richard Louv coined the term “Nature Deficit Disorder” (NDD) in his book “Last Child in the Woods”.

What Is Nature Deficit Disorder?

NDD refers to the lack of exposure to the natural world that is experienced by so many modern children in developed nations.

This lack of nature can lead to a number of issues including, it is believed, ADHD and some behavioral problems.

Nature as Therapy

Here’s how I look at it.

Suppose your child suffers from these symptoms. You can treat them with drugs and medication.

Or you could see if Nature can help.

Wouldn’t it be worth at least trying it?

Reports abound of children who had behavioral and learning problems that greatly improved after the time spent connecting with nature.

Also, children who are overweight may lose weight when they get outside and get active.

Using nature as therapy is not necessarily scientific in approach.

I don’t think that’s a problem. Nature doesn’t need our science. We need Nature.

How To Use Nature As Therapy

Really, just getting kids out into the natural world to play is where it starts.

But what if your kids aren’t used to free play? Think back to what you used to do as a child and implement it again.

Here are some ideas:

• Build a tree house, like you or your neighbors might have done as kids.
• Use some sheets or material and build a “fort” or tepee. Your kids can help you build it, and enjoy all kinds of time there.
• What if you don’t have access to a garden or natural setting? Find a park or a forest. Climb a hill (even if it’s only along a road, you’re still out in the fresh air).
• Find out what happens in your area. For example, perhaps turtles migrate near you. Get outside, and help turtles to cross busy roads safely.
• Put up a bird feeder and look up and identify the various birds that visit.
• Explore space with binoculars and/or a telescope.
• Find a vacant lot or area and discover bits of nature in the soil, among the plants, and the plants themselves.
• Start a rooftop or balcony garden, growing fruits and vegetables and potted trees. You can create a mini forest this way, even including a fountain or water feature.

Whatever the Cause…..

Perhaps Nature Deficit Disorder is a result of our technology getting ahead of our biological make-up.

Maybe NDD comes from deviating from our “wiring” as nature-dwellers.

Whatever the cause, getting our kids back to Nature is a growing movement. Make sure you’re part of it!

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How much time did you spend outdoors when you were a child? What about your children or grandchildren?  I’m interested to find out – let me know in the comments below.

Warm regards,

P.S.  Don’t forget to download “Live Well, Live Green” FREE here!

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