Burren Insight-Book Review Dec 11

Title: Last Child in the Woods, Saving our children from Nature –Deficit Disorder
Author: Richard Louv
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Date of publication: 2005 (now available an updated and expanded edition, 2008 this review
is of the 2005 edition)
Reviewer: Sarah O’Malley

A bestseller in the USA, Last child in the woods by journalist and author Richard Louv
investigates the disconnection between children and the natural world. He believes that
children’s hands-on contact with nature is fading and it being replaced by a more sedentary
way of life which has both emotional and health implications. Louv spoke with parents,
children, teachers, and a number of experts who share in his concern and offer solutions.

Louv coined the phrase ‘nature-deficit disorder’ to describe children’s detachment from
nature. It is not a medical diagnosis but he uses it to ‘describe the human costs of alienation
from nature’. He feels children do not have an intimate relationship with the natural world
and that this is connected to a diminished use of the senses, the rise in obesity and attention
disorders and depression.

The book focuses on the emotional and physical benefits from being in nature. It recognises
that in the last twenty years children playing, exploring or investigating alone and
unsupervised in nature has virtually disappeared. Louv offers practical solutions to address
this. Although largely focused within an American context, many of his recommendations are
relevant and applicable to Ireland today.

END