Socialized By Nature?
I mentioned a couple weeks ago that I have been reading Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
One part that I recently read has stuck out in my mind, mostly because of the recent “socialization issues” that have been tossed at homeschoolers. It was a section discussing some of the emotional and mental health benefits that people gain by being out in nature.
One reason for the emotional benefits of nature may be that green space fosters social interaction and thereby promotes social support. For instance, a Swedish study shows that children and parents who live in places that allow for outdoor access have twice as many friends as those who have restricted outdoor access due to traffic. [p. 49]
My sons playing under a tree in an empty lot.
It should be no surprise that spending more time outside would help one to get more friends. The sunshine and fresh air boosts happiness, and when we are feeling happy we are more sociable. How could you not want to smile and chat with everyone when the sun is on your back and there is a breeze blowing your hair?
We enjoy going outside as often as we can. Most of the time it is just to our own backyard, but there are also daily walks around the neighborhood and trips to the park when we can. Our closest park is all flat grass and huge plastic toys, so we have to make a bit of an effort to get to a park across town that has trees and flowers and a creek filling up the space. But the effort is worth it when I can watch them chasing butterflies and comparing fallen leaves. Sure I’m a bit of a tree hugger so that rubs off on them, but there is also something magical about nature to children.
My favorite memory is the giant apple tree that grew in my grandmother’s backyard. It was huge and ancient to me. I would climb that tree for hours, sometimes by myself and sometimes with the few nearby kids that lived there. I still recall playing with Erin, the preacher’s daughter. We would sit in the tree and giggle while our parents looked for us, chase tracks in the mud that to us were left by mighty lions, and rest in shade. I was shy and nervous as a child, but under that apple tree I felt complete freedom.
That freedom is something that I hope to pass on to my sons. When they are outside playing I stay back and let them go. Sometimes they play alone, sometimes they find friends. Sometimes they fall, and sometimes they fly. No matter what they do I know that being out in nature they are getting something special. It is a lesson they could never learn sitting behind a desk.
Last Child in the Woods, nature, outsid, play, children, socialization
November 1st, 2007 at 7:33 am
Oh … oops. I just figured out how to comment here. I just had to scroll down a bit (passing a few ads).
I am enjoying your blogs, and I am enjoying the implications of being in nature as a conduit to socialization. I think this is true on many levels. Hmmm … food for thought.
November 1st, 2007 at 9:52 am
[…] more here […]
November 1st, 2007 at 11:36 am
My daughter and I spend most of our days outside. If it isn’t raining we are out occasionally when it’s raining we’ll be running around playing.
There have been quite a few studies that show the effect of nature on people.
November 1st, 2007 at 7:13 pm
So, when I excused the children from “school work” this week to go and jump on haystacks and ride around on a tractor, they were actually developing social skills.
Allright!
November 6th, 2007 at 6:05 am
[…] introduction to outdoor education and encourage the exploration of nature with children. OEN101: Socialized by Nature? Emotional and mental health benefits of being in nature. Mom is Teaching OEN102: 19 Can-Do Nature […]
November 6th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
What a great post! Some of my favorite childhood memories are the times I spent outside, playing with friends.
We lived for a time in a busy city with a very small yard. Once we moved here to the woods, I find my children almost live outdoors. I’m glad it’s so good for them!
November 7th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
[…] Mom is Teaching also takes the students outdoors. […]
November 9th, 2007 at 6:32 am
I think getting kids outside more is essential to their social and physical growth. This was great!
March 21st, 2008 at 5:50 am
[…] absolutely agree! I’ve written before that being in nature can help kids with socialization and that letting kids move and do something helps them tune in, stay healthy, and keeps their […]
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:01 pm
I home school and finding ways for kids to socialize is hard. I’m starting up a team of a Scout Program called Adventure Scouts USA for my kids (8 and 5). It’s fully nondisciminatory and gives them the opportunity to socialize and have fun (and learn a thing ‘r two).