Nature Deficit Disorder

“The brain is strong and flexible, so 70 to 80 percent of kids adapt fairly well.” (Louv 5)

This quote seems reasonable for today’s society. Yes, times have changed. Technology is taking over the modern world, but there is still a way to function in it without being negatively affected. I was born midway through 1995, and one of my greatest memories as a child was playing outside with all of the neighborhood kids. Whether it was summer, winter break, or after school, we all spent hours together outside playing sports and other games. We were able to use our imagination when we made up own games. This is what we grew up doing, and this is what our brain was programmed to know. Technology was around, but my parents let us use it in moderation only. We had to pick only a couple favorite shows to watch during the week, and time on the computer was monitored but not restricted. I think a balance was struck that helped me adapt to the changing world, yet I was still able to be a true kid and play outdoors.

“Value and care for trees in your community. Caring for trees means caring for people.” (Louv 9)

http://www.brandywinecounseling.org/events/2013-trauma-conference

While I think it is important to care for trees and other parts of nature, I don’t think you should be able to compare it to caring for people. I think Louv may have taken it to an extreme when he said, “caring for trees means caring for people.” Yes, both are living things in our world, but besides that I do not see a correlation between the two. As humans, I think you must have a desire to care for something or to do anything for that matter, but the desire to do one thing doesn’t automatically lead to a desire to do another. There must be a conscious decision that you make yourself. 

“They found that greenery in a child’s everyday environment, even views of green through a window, specifically reduces attention-deficit symptoms.” (Louv 8)

http://suryawrites.blogspot.com/2014_01_01_archive.html

After reading the entire excerpt, I was under the impression that going out and being a part of nature is what helped children with ADHD or ADD. It seemed like Louv was stating that personal interaction in natural outdoor spaces reduced some symptoms the children were experiencing. This particular quote though says that even a view of greenery through a window will help the children suffering with these diseases. I am just unclear about how seeing trees, grass, and shrubbery through a window will make a difference if you never get to physically experience the natural world.