"Bringing up Bebe meets Last Child in the Woods."
Linda was born and raised in Sweden but marries a man from a small town in Indiana, when they begin to grow their family, Linda realizes outdoor play for children in America is not viewed in the same way as it is for Sweden. In Sweden, a child being outside is considered a necessity for health and well being, not so much in America. She goes into different instances where outdoor play was almost discouraged such as when she got a ticket for allowing her children to play in a creek or when schools take time away from recess as a punishment. What is the cost of the lack of outdoor play? Is this the reason our children seem more anxious and unhappy?
Overall, I do like this book. I found it inspired me to want to spend more time outside with my daughter which is great. However, the book was very.. "Sweden is amazing and Americans are doing everything all wrong." A little of that would have been acceptable, but especially in the second half of the book when she is actually living in Sweden, she goes on and on about how amazing it is which I just did not find helpful. I wish there would have been more suggestions about how to get your kids outside in America when it is not as encouraged, vs just shaming.
No comments:
Post a Comment