Bringing Up Bébé meets Last Child in the Woods in this
"fascinating exploration of the importance of the outdoors to childhood
development" (Kirkus Reviews) from a Swedish-American mother who sets
out to discover if the nature-centric parenting philosophy of her native
Scandinavia holds the key to healthier, happier lives for her American
children.
Could the Scandinavian philosophy of "There's no such thing as bad
weather, only bad clothes" hold the key to happier, healthier lives for
American children?
When Swedish-born Linda Åkeson McGurk moved to Indiana, she quickly
learned that the nature-centric parenting philosophies of her native
Scandinavia were not the norm. In Sweden, children play outdoors
year-round, regardless of the weather, and letting babies nap outside in
freezing temperatures is common and recommended by physicians.
Preschoolers spend their days climbing trees, catching frogs, and
learning to compost, and environmental education is a key part of the
public-school curriculum. In the US, McGurk found the playgrounds
deserted, and preschoolers were getting drilled on academics with little
time for free play in nature. And when a swimming outing at a nearby
creek ended with a fine from a park officer, McGurk realized that the
parenting philosophies of her native country and her adopted homeland
were worlds apart.
Struggling to decide what was best for her family, McGurk embarked on a
six-month journey to Sweden with her two daughters to see how their
lives would change in a place where spending time in nature is
considered essential to a good childhood. Insightful and lively,
There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather is a fascinating personal
narrative that illustrates how Scandinavian culture could hold the key
to raising healthy, resilient, and confident children in America.
