Nature Deficit Disorder was coined by Richard Louv, co-founder of the Children and Nature Network and author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. This book explores the role of nature in stimulating children’s creativity and imagination, and its impact on physical health and resistance to stress and depression. According to the author, separation from nature (Nature Deficit Disorder) reduces a child’s use of his senses, hinders imagination, causes attentional difficulties and contributes to both physical and mental health issues.
While Nature Deficit Disorder is not an official physical or mental disorder, it is real and affects children all across America. The disconnect between children and the natural world around them is a growing concern for both parents and educators.
The solution, of course, is to find ways to connect your child with nature. Reading quality nature books that pertain to your area with your child and encouraging him to explore the natural world around him is one way to involve your child in nature.
The In My Backyard Series gives you a jumping off point by introducing your child to common natural elements and critters found in the typical American backyard. The full-color, detailed images help your child with identification, while the easy-read-text provides basic information and interesting facts.
If you are working to combat Nature Deficit Disorder in your child, start close to home to build his interest and gradually expand to nearby parks and nature trails where he can experience nature up-close and personal.
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