How to Raise a Wild Child

The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature

By: Scott Sampson

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

American children today spend 90 percent less time playing outdoors than their parents did; instead they spend an average of seven hours a day interacting with a screen. Scott Sampson asserts that not only does exposure to nature help relieve stress, depression, and attention deficits, but it also reduces bullying and helps boost academic scores. Even more important are the long-term benefits linked to cognitive, emotional, and moral development.

Distilling the latest research in disciplines such as psychology, neuroscience, biology, and education, Sampson reveals how parents and educators can help kids fall in love with nature and instill a sense of place that will help keep the planet healthy.

©2015 © Reproduced by special arrangement with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. (P)2015 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

a decent overall review of nature connection

very difficult to get through the narration. The author stalked every half sentence and it made the book drag on far longer than necessary. Playing it at a faster speed only emphasized this jerky pace. overall a decent overview of nature connection including current projects and thought leaders including activities for raising a wild child or leading any sort of outdoor mentorship program.

Amazing and inspiring!

This book was just amazing! It was a perfect combination of scientific research and inspiring ideas to get outside with the children in your life to experience the wonder of nature! I loved that it had practical how to's and easy ideas that you could implement right away. The book was so good that I found it hard to listen to it while driving because I wanted to take notes on everything! I will need to buy the print version as well. Thank you for this awe inspiring book!

Should be a requirement for parents to read...

This book explains the importance of outdoor connection between children (and adults) and nature. It should be required of all parents to read because it helps one understand the NEED for children to grow and explore outside. It takes scholarly information from studies, reports, and years of research to break it down for everyone to understand.

Best book of its kind

I have read a number of books about the importants of raising children with a connection to the natural word. This one is probably the best. Dr Scott (known to many parents and children from PBS’ Dinosaur Train) lays out the problems, gives actionable solutions then gives you reference if you want to do more reading on any particular idea. Well done.

The narrator…

The narrator’s voice is so incredibly annoying. All the S’s are pronounced “sh,” and after a few chapters, it becomes like nails on a chalkboard. I wish I would have listened before I bought.

Sampson Hits the Nail on the Head

I'm not really a "how-to" book guy, much less a "how-to" parent. But this book is not at all like the typical how-to manual. Sampson is incredibly conversational, blending personal anecdotes with scientific studies and expert testimony seamlessly. He successfully communicates the power of place to all willing to listen, and more importantly to those willing to experience. He helped to reawaken the early experiences I had in the natural world, playing in schoolyards, creeks, and forests. I now hope to pass these experiences on to my son, and I will pass this book along to many many friends and family.

Outdoor facilitator

I’ve been falling in love with outdoor play and education for a while now, and I appreciate Scott Sampson giving practical ways to cultivate a child’s curiosity and love for wildness. I will be re-listening and reading (I got a hard copy too) to this book frequently.

Extremely inspiring!

Many great tools and an amazing learning experience. I can't wait to dwelve into this with my unschooled child.

Loved it

Initially, I thought the narration may make it difficult to really dive into the book. However, very quickly, I found myself enjoying the narration as well as the content. I am so sad the book is over! I would recommend this book to anyone with interest in nature, raising children, teaching, etc.

Yay! It's Dr Scott!

I truly enjoyed this book & the ideas inside. Just wish it was author narrated.