Nature Deficit Disorder: A Guide to a Cure
August 21, 2021 | Topics: Articles
Text by Ed Carter
Photo essay by Eddee Daniel
Note: The primary cure for Nature Deficit Disorder is spending time outdoors. The photos that accompany this article are from parks and preserves all over southeast Wisconsin and examples of places you’ll find on our Find-a-Park map. The links in the captions will take you to the page on our map for more information.
~ Eddee
How Moms and Dads Can Cure Their Family’s Nature Deficit Disorder
There is plenty of chatter out there about why our kids are spending too much time inside and in front of screens. The unfortunate reality is that nature-deficit disorder is becoming an epidemic, and it’s affecting both children and adults. The following resources can help you better understand this problem and devise a cure for your family.
Nature-Deficit Disorder is a Real Thing
Limited time outside comes with significant health risks that can lead to long-term issues.
What Is Nature-Deficit Disorder?
Depressed Children? The Cause May Be a Nature-Deficit Disorder
11 Scientific Reasons You Should Be Spending More Time Outside
Pick Up a Family Hobby
Connect with an outdoor-related hobby that everyone can enjoy and benefit from.
The Ultimate Guide to Camping with Kids
9 Tips for Better Family Travel
4 Tips When Mountain Biking With Your Child
Try These 20 STEM Outdoor Activities for Some Fun Learning
Tips for Everyday Backyard Time
Look for ways to incorporate time spent outside every day.
How to Create an Outdoor Office Space
The Childhood Benefits of a Backyard Playground
Join a Nature Center Near You
Year-round outdoor activities, educational opportunities and nature programming.
Mequon Nature Preserve, Ozaukee County
Pringle Nature Center, Kenosha County
Retzer Nature Center, Waukesha County
River Bend Nature Center, Racine County
Riveredge Nature Center, Ozaukee County
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Milwaukee County
Urban Ecology Center, Milwaukee County
Wehr Nature Center, Milwaukee County
Nature-deficit disorder is running rampant, but that doesn’t mean your hands are tied. Getting into the great outdoors is easy and good for you. Look for fun things your whole family can enjoy, do a little something each day, and health and happiness will be the result!
Whether your family likes to hike, bike, kayak, canoe, swim, fish, snowshoe, cross-country ski or simply explore, Southeast Wisconsin boasts many beautiful parks and ways to connect with nature. To find a park or to learn more about the natural beauty Southeast Wisconsin has to offer, subscribe to A Wealth of Nature.
The text for this story was submitted to The Natural Realm by Ed Carter. Ed is a former financial planner who has worked with clients of all ages, backgrounds and incomes. About 10 years into his career, he saw a need for financial planners who specialize in helping individuals and families living with disabilities.
The photos are all by Eddee Daniel, project director of A Wealth of Nature and board member of Preserve Our Parks. The featured photo at the top is Grant Park Beach.
Mequon Nature Preserve, Pringle Nature Center, Retzer Nature Center (Waukesha County Parks), Riveredge Nature Center, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Urban Ecology Center, and Wehr Nature Center (Milwaukee County Parks) are all partner organizations with A Wealth of Nature.