Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/support-resilience-by-connecting-children-with-nature/5013052/
We see children daily trying to beat the odds, trying to stay sane amidst insane circumstances. The stresses vary, but they typically fall under the umbrella of family dysfunction, including domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and child abuse.I don't go a week without hearing someone say, "It's a wonder that child makes it." And yet, most do. Despite role modeling to the contrary, they become competent, responsible adults, capable of loving and caring for a family of their own. They don't repeat the cycle of dysfunction.
There are many people who prove that one can be a successful adult even having lived a challenged childhood. How do they do it? What makes them resilient enough to maintain positive attitudes and behaviors in spite of having seen the worst in life during their most vulnerable time of life?
Researchers have identified multiple factors that contribute to children's resilience. I will focus on one that is often overlooked (or perhaps just taken for granted): nature. I'll illustrate with two people you may be familiar with.
For instance, does Margaret Wise Brown ring a bell? It should. Her 100+ picture books include classics, such as Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny, both still popular in bookstores ...