DO YOU HAVE ANDD?
ADULT NATURE DEFICIT DISORDER… The common symptoms include attention problems, anxiety, depression, nervousness, stress, increased feelings of not being rooted in the world, increased weight gain and many more. NDD is real and not just for kids anymore. Although there is humor in this youtube video from The Atlantic NDD is a real health concern.
What model is it? It is called the sky.
Does it have good applications? Oh yes! It has the sun, the moon, clouds and stars…
How long does the battery last? A long time. I never have to recharge it. It recharges me.
Let’s first start with “What is Nature Deficit Disorder” then see how it applies to Adults as well as Children.
NND is not an official medical term, rather it describes a lack of connection to the outdoors. Studies have shown that lack of exposure to natural spaces outdoors can lead to physical and emotional distress including anxiety and depression. I invite you to google the term “Nature Deficit Disorder” and read more about it.
Not only children suffer from NDD but today’s adults do too. To make an impact on future generations we need to create our own healthy and close relationship with nature. According to Education.com the number one action adults can take to prevent Nature Deficit Disorder in our kids is…
“Be a role model!
Remember, children will get excited about something when you are genuinely excited about it, too! Model the behavior you want your children to emulate. Demonstrate your own curiosity about nature sharing what you love to do in the outdoors with your kids. You can model respect for nature through simple everyday activities like recycling and not littering. Sharing your natural interests is the best motivation a child can have to participate.”
Click in and listen to a NPR interview with author Richard Louv.
NPR AUDIO
The last part of this interview hits it right on as to what Get In2 Nature is all about, getting adults (who are the caregivers of children) connected back to the environment so as to pass their enthusiasm along.
“…Mr. LOUV: Why, from the very earliest I can remember that. And I think that as how I received that was through my parents’ own enthusiasm for nature and I think that’s a very important point and it’s an important point that you made. I mean, you can’t force kids out there because they’ll rebel against it. That’s why it’s so important for parents to find their own enthusiasm…”
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