As a kid, we had a lot of freedom to explore the outdoors. We loved to wander in the woods behind our home. Play in the creek and make mud pies and catch and release tadpoles. Today, it’s easy for kids to avoid any exposure to nature. Between cars, school, television and video games it’s possible for kids to go from one air-conditioned environment to the next with barely a chance to explore the outdoors. We worry about their safety, but maybe we should be more worried about what they are missing out on.

Have you read Richard Louv’s Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder? First, the fact that he has actually named a new disorder is brilliant. After all, we are motivated to help our kids suffering from a disorder. And anecdotally, nature play is great for kids with ADD. He has so many great points in this book about what our kids are missing out on by not having the opportunity to explore nature. Unstructured outdoor play helps children build self-confidence, creativity and cooperation skills. All this, just by getting outside. And it’s free.

This weekend we’re going camping in the nearby mountains as we do each year. I’m looking forward to seeing my kids play in nature. Collect pine cones. Create rock sculptures. Build a fort with a big rock and fallen branches. Fish and swim in the lake. Play with friends in the great outdoors. Leave the electronic stimulation behind and enjoy the peace and wonder and be at home in the elements.

The Last Child in the Woods is a great read. Pick up your copy is you haven’t had a chance to read it yet. It may make you nostalgic for your youth and will definitely inspire you to get your kids back to nature.