tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085452453612456827.post1952957052634756342..comments2023-08-06T00:48:27.948-07:00Comments on BobbleHead Owl Suburban Homestead: Book Review: Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard LouvMisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12913056390047795079noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085452453612456827.post-59990054009112326712008-07-22T18:37:00.000-07:002008-07-22T18:37:00.000-07:00Thanks, Green Bean, for sharing your sister's orga...Thanks, Green Bean, for sharing your sister's organization! I've been mulling ideas over in my head, and I think she got it right. The first thing I need to do is to gather other parents with me.<BR/><BR/>I'm hopping over to your link now! :) <BR/><BR/>Mike Vandeman, thank you for your insightful comments on the book. I don't necessarily agree with the argument that parts of nature should be off-limits to humans, but I understand where you're coming from. There is much yet to be done on educating the public how to tread lightly in nature. As a wildcrafter myself, though, I know that one can interact with nature and even take advantage of its bounty with reverence and without causing harm. <BR/><BR/>In regards to your question of whether or not other species want us around, you're probably right that they don't. But ask the meerkat if it wants other meerkats around, and you'll discover that the answer is an emphatic NO. There is a difference, for better or worse, between our species and every other species on the planet, especially when it comes to those of us in developed countries. The difference is that every other species is concerned mainly with survival. I think you'd agree that most of us are not. My point is, that other species quite probably don't want <I>anything</I> around that isn't immediately necessary to their survival, be it humans or ostriches.<BR/><BR/>I also appreciate your concern that certain activities mentioned in Louv's book may not be appropriate ways for children to interact with nature. Unfortunately, this argument goes both ways. As you said, we can't predict which child will decide to protect nature and which one will decide to dominate it, but Louv himself is an example of how someone can love fishing and take part in it yet still have a strong desire to protect nature. <BR/><BR/>Human beings are complex creatures, each individual having their own inclinations. Not every person will enjoy hiking alone. If outdoor activity is reduced to this, I think we run the possibility of boring some people to death until they want nothing to do with nature at all. Then it's, "why not turn that beautiful virgin forest into the next Cedar Point? I'd have a hell of a lot more fun there than just looking at things from a trail!" It is the responsibility of parents, educators, and the community as a whole to foster proper childhood interaction with nature and minimize the impact of outdoor activities. <BR/><BR/>Indeed, some of Louv's suggestions will help with this: planting gardens around schools, replacing existing flat expanses of landscape around education facilities with muddy pits or other interactive features. This will help to keep the kids in certain areas specified for interaction purposes.<BR/><BR/>But then we get to the question of where does nature end and education begin? If a forest glade is recreated around a school by parents, teachers, and students, should that then be off-limits to them in order to preserve the ecosystem?<BR/><BR/>And one last thing, we're completely agreed where cell phones are concerned! :) If I remember correctly, though, Louv was trying to give parents ways of letting their children have the solitary time they need in the wild while still minimizing the fear factor. I can understand that.Misthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12913056390047795079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085452453612456827.post-1099663791702144422008-07-22T16:02:00.000-07:002008-07-22T16:02:00.000-07:00Great review. I read the book last summer and als...Great review. I read the book last summer and also felt it was an eye opener. My sister was so struck by the book she joined a group of moms to create an organization called Sustainable Schoolyards where they build gardens in schools and try to get kids outside more. Every little bit helps.<BR/><BR/>Please pop by <A HREF="http://beabookworm.blogspot.com/" REL="nofollow">The Blogging Bookworm </A>to share your review.Green Beanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03133847111288382381noreply@blogger.com