Into the Woods: Why Children Need Nature More Than Ever
Just beyond a century ago, nature, the woods, “the wild” could be a genuinely adventurous
place for young children. Fairy tales were written to warn children of the risks of wandering
too far from their home or their path. Children had to often traverse woods or natural areas
to get from place to place: there were wild animals, cliffs and caves, rivers to cross that
may be swollen from a recent rain, certainly a creepy recluse that was to be avoided, and
the ever-looming weather and not least, the impending darkness. All of these elements
sharpened decision-making and physical capacity for the growing child who wanted to
return home safe, sound, dry, and not too hungry.
