Up Close and Personal: Connecting Children with Nature - A Lifelong Journey with Ruth Wilson

In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, Jessica Morgenthal speaks with Ruth Wilson, a lifelong advocate for nature-based education and author of Nature and Young Children. Together, they explore how connecting children with nature supports mental health, physical well-being, cognitive development, and spiritual growth. The conversation dives into the concept of nature deficit disorder—a term coined by Richard Louv—and why unstructured time in nature is essential for kids. Ruth shares personal insights on the power of outdoor play, sensory experiences, and reciprocal relationships with the natural world, encouraging families and educators to cultivate awe, joy, and belonging through nature connection.

The episode also touches on how adults can rediscover their own relationship with the environment through practices like journaling, metaphor, and ecological autobiography. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone seeking more meaning in daily life, this episode offers both practical tools and heartfelt inspiration for building resilience through nature.

• Ruth Wilson has spent her career helping children connect deeply with nature.

• Nature deficit disorder is a real issue affecting children’s development and health.

• Time outdoors boosts creativity, reduces anxiety, and improves social skills.

• Sensory-rich nature experiences enhance learning and emotional regulation.

• A sense of wonder is essential for resilience and well-being—especially in children.

• Reciprocity in nature reminds us of the give-and-take relationship we have with the earth.

• Repetition and rhythm in nature can teach life lessons and provide emotional comfort.

• Ecological autobiographies and journaling can help adults reflect on their connection to nature.

• Nature metaphors are powerful tools for resilience and self-understanding.

• Fostering a sense of belonging in nature supports a more sustainable and empathetic world.

• “Nature makes kids healthier.”
• “The stress reduction theory is proven.”
• “Nature is our natural habitat.”
• “Nature gives us a sense of belonging.”
• “Nature doesn’t discriminate.”
• “Nature takes care of us as well.”
• “We need to keep that sense of wonder alive.”
• “Go out and do it. Be true to yourself.”

Ruth Wilson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-wilson-b6a92120/

Children & Nature Network: https://www.childrenandnature.org/

Nature and Young Children: Encouraging Creative Play and Learning in Natural Environments https://www.routledge.com/Nature-and-Young-Children-Encouraging-Creative-Play-and-Learning-in-Natural-Environments/Wilson/p/book/9781138553347?srsltid=AfmBOorej9cj5_p-Gv9E7VT8R1ynnYLk8lWoV6MedfRPnsCfE-y7gflZ