Raise a wild child

How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature
by Scott D. Sampson

Sadly, many children are growing up with no experience with nature. For urban children especially, wild animals only exist in zoos and food is found prepackaged in grocery stores. Yet being outside in natural settings have been found to relieve stress, depression, and attention-deficit disorder. Being out in forests, parks, or ravines can reduce bullying and illness, and even boost academic scores. Furthermore, fostering a love of nature means greater awareness of the interconnected of things and the desire for environmental conservation.

Trying to forge a meaningful connection between children and nature may seem daunting, but in How to Raise a Wild Child, Scott D. Sampson shows that it can be as easy as simply sitting on a porch or balcony and observing or listening to the animals, plants, or birds that are nearby. If city sounds are too intrusive, visit a park or even a schoolyard. And if it's hard to lure your kids away from electronic devices, make good use of them! Take pictures, download nature apps, research nature facts, or go geocaching - anything that'll get kids wondering, wandering, and learning. Sampson provides many more examples of experiences and activities for all ages, from babies to toddlers, and childhood to adolescent. For further encouragement, he also tells stories about his own attempts to encourage a love of nature in his daughter.

An excellent and hopeful book; full of joy and wonder in the world outside.

Highly recommended.