Last Child in the Woods points out that as a child's connection to nature diminishes, the social, psychological and spiritual implications become apparent. New research shows that nature can offer powerful therapy for such maladies as depression, obesity, and attention deficit disorder in children.
Last Child in the Woods Overview
Last Child in the Woods was originally published in 2005 and then revised and updated in 2008. Author Richard Louv was the first to identify a phenomenon that was suspected but had never been articulated: nature-deficit disorder. The book began a national conversation about the disconnection between children and nature and an international field of research about the connection of natural-deficit to emotional problems in children.
With this new edition, The Last Child in the Woods includes:
- 101 things that can be done to creates change in the community, school, and family
- Discussion points to inspire people of all ages to talk about the importance of nature in their lives
- A new afterword by the author about the growing Leave No Child Inside movement
- New and updated research confirming that direct exposure to nature is essential for the physical and emotional health of children and adults
Last Child in the Woods Defines the Denatured Childhood
Last Child in the Woods author Louv writes that the carefree days previous generations knew are now gone. He believes that boys and girls now live a "denatured childhood." He cites the multiple causes of why children spend less time outdoors and why they have less access to nature. This is because of their:
- Growing addiction to electronic media
- Relinquishment of green spaces to development
- Parents' exaggerated fear of natural and human predators
- Threats of lawsuits and vandalism that has prompted community officials to forbid access to their land
Last Child in the Woods Links Nature Alienation to Childhood Disorders
Last Child in the Woods links children's alienation from nature to:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Stress
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Childhood obesity.
The author maintains that the replacement of open meadows, woods and wetlands by manicured lawns, golf courses and housing development has taken children away from the natural world. Their time is spent on designer playgrounds or fenced yards which is structured, safe and isolating. It does not provide opportunities for children for exploration, imagination or peaceful contemplation.
Last Child in the Woods Recommendations
Last Child in the Woods focuses on the restorative qualities of nature for children. Using his own personal experiences and that of urban planners, educators, naturalists and psychologist, Louv recommends that children and adults become reacquainted with nature through hiking, fishing, bird watching, and disorganized, creative play. Through these actions, he believes that the frequency and severity of emotional and mental ailments may be lessened.
About the Author
Richard Louvis is the author of seven books. He is the chairman of the Children and Nature Network, has served as an adviser to the Ford Foundation's Leadership for a Changing World award program and the National Scientific on the Developing Child. He has appeared on Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, NPR's Morning Edition, and many other programs. His previous books include Childhood's Future and Fatherlove.
Louvis, Richard. Last Child in the Woods. Chapel, N.C.: Algonquin Books, 2008
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