Enya & James with bushman sitting & dancing around the fire at dusk - Bushman country, Askham [© 2008 PaulGodard.com]
Kids of Nature...
uses storytelling to motivate parents and teachers to reconnect children with nature

Giving the responsibility back to the parents.

André Oberholzer, proud father of Ninnaku and Nakita - Group Head Corporate Affairs, Sappi

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KIDS OF NATURE INITIATIVE  print this page 

Every child has the right to discover the magic in nature

There are many green projects, but Kids of Nature believes that not enough is being done to enable children to feel connected with their natural environment.

Kids Of Nature Initiative - Kids Of Nature - re-connect children with nature - busman, Enya, James & children sitting around camp fire - Andriesvale, Askham [© 2009 PaulGodard.com]

Kids of Nature addresses a key issue of today's society: Nature Deficit Disorder * (NDD) - the alienation of children from their natural environment resulting in emotional imbalance, violence, mismanagement of natural resources and climate change. In many parts of the world, urban children are developing disturbing ideas of what nature is. In dealing with NDD, parents increase true happiness in their children's lives and help restore values such as respect and care. In so doing, we create a solution against climate change by building a new generation of globally responsible decision makers, whose love for nature will enable them to combine technology and profit in a context of global environmental sustainability.

As the co-founder of the initiative, and more specifically as the mother of two young children, I call upon all parents to spend more time as a family and to do it in a way that children can bond with their natural surroundings. Let's engage in a conversation on the importance of nature in our lives, especially in the lives of our children. Let's stop time every now and then to give our souls a break from the rat race, let's leave our cellphones and iPods for what they are. And most importantly, let's celebrate Mother Nature! Show the world you care and join Kids of Nature.

Kids of Nature uses storytelling to motive families and educators to reconnect children with nature. Our stories are about real people and real photography, as opposed to illustrations and computer-generated imagery. The on-line parenting section offers fresh ideas on how to bring nature into your home, and a child play therapist gives sound advice on nature therapy.

Children are key to the preservation of the environment and humanity. Buy the exciting new children's book 'Enya & James - In The Land Of Magic' for your (grand) child; not only will it instill a love for nature, but also for reading.

One tends to think it's just too big a challenge to save humanity. So, shall we then just sit back and watch the world go down? Absolutely not. This is why people worldwide are joining Kids of Nature and together we will make a difference to build a better future for all.

Petra Vandecasteele, co-founder of Kids of Nature

* term coined by Richard Louv, author of 'List Child in the Woods' [USA]