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Backcountry Bookshelf:  Last Child in the Woods  |
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Libbie
outstepping
157 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
157 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 16 2008 : 04:26:11 AM
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Have any of you read, "Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Defecit Disorder," by Richard Louv?
I'm just starting it, and so far, it's amazing. I would highly recommend it for parents and teachers - anyone who is responsible for kids for any amount of time during the day.
I'm only through a couple of chapters, and I'm enchanted. It really makes me feel good about the experience of "outside" that my kids are growing up with, and it reminds me to get out there WITH them and continue to grow my own experience - hourly, daily, weekly.
It's just wonderful (so far!) - I'll keep you posted, and by all means, let me know if you're reading it or have read it, too!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"Farmgirl Sister #10," and proud of it!!! |
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Jen
Expedition Leader
1384 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
1384 Posts |
Posted - Apr 16 2008 : 5:40:02 PM
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I've read bits & pieces online while researching writing projects, and it does seem fascinating. How about the concept of “ecophobia”? Does he touch on that in this book? It refers to the condition of being overwhelmed by the doomsday prophecies of environmental advocates. Kids, who take everything so personally, are terrified to step foot into nature for fear of destroying it. Nobody wants to be the straw that breaks the camel's back, right? And that is a sad state of affairs because if we don't touch wildness--aren't touched by it--it is a stranger, and then we have no reason to love it at all. We all just need to keep going outside with our kids and having fun!
Jen
Farmgirl Sisterhood Member #9
The View From My Boots: www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
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Libbie
outstepping
157 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
157 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2008 : 9:13:27 PM
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I haven't read about "ecophobia" yet, so I'm not sure if he discusses it - I hadn't heard of it before now. Oh, my. It makes me so sad. The ones who really DON'T destroy nature are scared of witnessing her. Children are so amazing...so sensitive...so easily discouraged. That is really disturbing. I definitely will continue to GET OUT with the little ones and let them know that we can enjoy nature, care for her, be aware...all the good stuff.
William (my 4-yr-old) once saw a pretty disturbing "commercial" for the World Wildlife Fund about how mama polar bears are unable to feed their little ones. He cried for a week and still mentions it. I'm so torn. I wish that people would take our little ones' tender feelings and understanding into account... but (some) adults are so calloused by the world that it takes graphic and sad images and harsh words to make them take note of a situation that needs to be helped. I don't know the answer to this one - I don't even know how I would like it to be, I just know that it has caused immense disturbance in my home. I feel like shouting the motto, "Help people become AWARE...It doesn't work to SCARE!"
XOXO, Libbie
"Farmgirl Sister #10," and proud of it!!! |
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Jen
Expedition Leader
1384 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
1384 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2008 : 10:40:38 AM
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That motto is so true. My hub & I are fairly cynical people, but we also revel in the beauty of the world like starry-eyed youngsters, so we've really made the effort not to burden our kids with gloom and doom. Hope it's working....
Jen
Farmgirl Sisterhood Member #9
The View From My Boots: www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
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Libbie
outstepping
157 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
157 Posts |
Posted - Apr 21 2008 : 07:20:27 AM
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I really think it's so smart to instill a positive outlook of and for the world in our kids. It is one of those things that, if you don't get in childhood, it can be a long time coming, and a lot of effort put forth to get there. I have this vision of a relatively carefree childhood for my little ones, and making them somehow feel like they are going to "ruin" nature by taking a hike isn't in the plan!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"Farmgirl Sister #10," and proud of it!!! |
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Backcountry Bookshelf: Last Child in the Woods |
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Last Child in the Woods
