Take a Hike, Kid

Kids say the darnedest things. "I like to play indoors better 'cause that's where all the electrical outlets are," one fifth-grader told Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder. Raise the age bracket and you might hear, as did one high school teacher querying his students on the environment: "If you go out [in nature], there has to be a parent because you can't protect yourself" or "The environment will die." Writing for Sierra, Louv cites these comments as evidence that now more than ever, children are being raised indoors, largely because the outside world is just too scary.

With the constant message that the end of the natural world is coming in their lifetimes, many children have adopted an apocalyptic view of environmental issues, or "ecophobia." Says Karen Hurley, writing for Grist: "[T]he dominant, dystopic vision of the future is seen as more 'realistic' simply because it is talked about more, visualized more, and analyzed more." This flood of overwhelming information shuts kids off to the issues instead of engaging kids to care about them.

It's not just the environmental doomsday that has kids frightened. Parents and caregivers are increasingly concerned about their children's safety. Even though abduction rates are falling, many parents are convinced that their children are in danger of being kidnapped. Nature's creatures are ending up on most wanted lists, too. Dave Anderson, writing for the New Hampshire newspaper Concord Monitor, suggests that media coverage sensationalizes wild animal attacks to the point that these rare occurrences seem like everyday hazards. "Dire warnings increasingly frighten parents and children to the point of keeping kids indoors, alienated from what is perceived as a wild, dangerous insect- and germ-infested 'great outdoors,'" says Andersen. No longer is it acceptable to send the kids out and expect them home at dinnertime, sun-tinged and covered in dirt, scrapes, and bruises. Parents' reactions to animals, insects, and nature, whether they "scream, wince, or smile," writes Anderson, can set the stage for children's perceptions of the natural world.

"Yes, there are hazards outside the home," notes Louv. "But, in most cases, they pale in comparison to those of raising young people under what amounts to protective house arrest." Broken bones are less likely indoors, but repetitive stress-injuries (think videogames) are increasingly common. Childhood obesity is more rampant that ever. Conversely, fewer symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder are found among children who engage with nature. Studies also suggest that kids are more creative and cooperative when they play in a natural setting, as opposed to an asphalt playground.

Not content to let fear win, parents and teachers are stepping up to get kids outdoors again. Nature-based preschools and public high schools have started opening within the last year. Parents also are trying to be role models for the kids. Says Hurley, kids just need to know "that there [are] adults making positive change toward a flourishing earth." The results will pay off as children feel more confident in the natural environment. "Experience lets children safely explore a world they will soon inherit," writes Anderson.

Go there >> Leave No Child Inside:
http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/200607/child.asp

Go there, too >> Gotta Wear Shades:
http://www.grist.org/comments/soapbox/2006/07/11/hurley/

Why Don't You Go Outside and Play?:
http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060625/REPOSITORY/606250321/1043/NEWS01

Related Link:
Tuning in Call of the Wild:
http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/environment/story/14274357p-15084194c.html

"But, in most cases, they pale in comparison to those of raising young people under what amounts to protective house arrest."

Yep, I'm guilty.

(I can't afford the frivolous lawsuits from my neighbors if one of my 3 teenage boys accidently throws the football into their yard while I'm at work.) I don't worry much about them being kidnapped - the kidnapper would probably pay me to take them back. j/k

I am convinced that a huge part of our creativity, self-reliance, and inventiveness has come from those long lazy summers of free play outside engaged in nature even when schools may be mediocre. Unfortunately, birth control and family planning have led to two child families where the kids are treated like precious china dolls instead of free spirits.

I agree with that. Unfortunately though, that's near impossible anymore with the state of things. There's always that "fear" of being sued, or our boys being accused of any little thing. We keep a tight reign on them, but we don't lock them in the house (except on 100 degree days - we make them stay indoors). I wish times were like when I was their age - I was never home - I either walked or rode my bike all day long with my friends. We never had to worry that our parents would get a knock on the door from the local police because we walked through our neighbors backyard. I reference this because this happened just down the street a few weeks ago - two kids walking home from the pool took a shortcut between two houses down to cross the creek (no fences, etc.) - property owner called the cops for trespassing. Boggles my mind.

(I can't afford the frivolous lawsuits from my neighbors if one of my 3 teenage boys accidently throws the football into their yard while I'm at work.)

You are right that is very possible and how ridiculous too. Also beware the busybodies who may call someone because the boys are home alone. I had someone call the police with that very story. My son was 17 at the time! The rule was cannot go outside or have anyone in the house until an adult is home. That's where he was, in the house. I was so mad its a wonder I wasnt arrested. Its a shame really. Growing up, all the neighborhood kids pretty much played together and all the moms or dads at home kept an eye out on all. Ah well, different times, not necessarily better.

That is the exact same rules we have - no company, no going anywhere (off the property, except to walk to the pool when my mom isn't available to come to town and drive them) unless an adult is home. Our boys are 17, 15 and 14 so I don't worry about being turned in for that. They aren't allowed to "take a walk" with their girlfriends (15 and 17 year old) unless one of us is home, or if the girls parents are home and have called us first.

Of course the boys think we are way too strict, but our motto is "If we don't know where you are and what you are doing, then we cannot protect you when the cops come to the door".

So, it's not about not wanting them to enjoy the outdoors, it's about making sure there is never a reason for them to be accused of anything. And that's the saddest thing of all. No longer are the days when kids could be kids - wrestle around, explore, mouth off to each other without the fear of being hauled off to juevenile home.

I find those last three posts very depressing. Obviously, you are conscientious parents, and that is commendable. But remember what the goal of parenting is. You are guiding the development of soon-to-be self-reliant adults with good judgement to go out in the world and make their way on their own. Where in the world do you live that you are afraid that someone will sue you over the behavior of your offspring? Is the only way to avoid that holing up at home? doesn't seem like a workable strategy to me, long term. Now, teaching children to respect the property of others does make sense to me.

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