How to Raise a Wild Child

Children today spend about 4 to 7 minutes a day playing outdoors--90 percent less time than their parents did. Instead, they spend an average of 7 hours a day on screens indoors. Yet nature is an essential element for healthy growth. Not only does exposure to nature help relieve stress, depression, and attention deficits, it reduces bullying, helps combat sickness, and boosts academic scores. Even more important are the long-term benefits linked to cognitive, emotional, and moral development. An increasing awareness of this crisis has given rise to a children and nature movement. But parents--many of whom are themselves intimidated by nature--still don't know how to go about helping their children connect with nature. Distilling the latest research in disciplines such as psychology, neuroscience, biology, and education, Sampson reveals how parents and educators can help kids fall in love with nature--enlisting technology as an ally; taking advantage of nearby, even urban, locations; and instilling a sense of place that will help keep the planet healthy. This essential connection benefits us all by creating healthier and happier children and adults.

Children today spend about 4 to 7 minutes a day playing outdoors--90 percent less time than their parents did. Instead, they spend an average of 7 hours a day on screens indoors. Yet nature is an essential element for healthy growth. Not only does exposure to nature help relieve stress, depression, and attention deficits, it reduces bullying, helps combat sickness, and boosts academic scores. Even more important are the long-term benefits linked to cognitive, emotional, and moral development. An increasing awareness of this crisis has given rise to a children and nature movement. But parents--many of whom are themselves intimidated by nature--still don't know how to go about helping their children connect with nature. Distilling the latest research in disciplines such as psychology, neuroscience, biology, and education, Sampson reveals how parents and educators can help kids fall in love with nature--enlisting technology as an ally; taking advantage of nearby, even urban, locations; and instilling a sense of place that will help keep the planet healthy. This essential connection benefits us all by creating healthier and happier children and adults.