kids and forests

I was reading a friend's blog and noticed Marta commenting on game console energy use.

Part of it was a surprise - the Swedish discussion on jungle gyms vs playing in the forest.  In NJ the average kid is tightly scheduled and hyperprotected to the point where it is hard to image kids playing in the forest.  

I'm a strong believer in free range kids -- at least some of the time.  Kids need to be outside playing and discovering nature.  The Swedish argument is a much better argument than wondering if a Wii is better than a PS3 ... grumble.

The concept of a kid playing in the forest would make a helicopter mom's head explode -- probably not a bad thing.

thanks for the reality check Marta!!

Comments

[Marta]

Thanks for the post! I had to google "helicopter mom" for a definition. Still not sure the image works for me since I think of helicopters more in terms of transport than hovering.
It's interesting to get an idea of life in NJ, but hardly fair to compare Sweden and NJ in this case. Sweden's population density: 20 per sq. kilometer. New Jersey's: 450. There are a lot of trees in Sweden.
Marta

[Mitashi Games for Kids]

In the end, playing in the forest is not the same as playing a forest game in a console. Both have their own ups and downs.