By Deborah Holmen, M.Ed., NBCT, published in A Parent is Born When was the last time you saw a group of kids running about outside in...

Children in the United States are growing up in an increasingly complex and challenging environment. With technology at their fingertips and an overwhelming amount of information without constructive discernment, children often feel disconnected and lost. This is why many experts are calling for a new “right of passage” for American children, which would provide them with the guidance and support they need to navigate the challenges of growing up in the 21st century.

As parents, we often struggle to balance protecting our children and giving them the freedom to learn and grow independently. In our quest to raise successful and happy kids, we’ve turned to various parenting styles and methods, some of which have proven more effective than others. However, when teaching our children the most valuable life lessons, we should take a cue from the animal kingdom and look to the ultimate teacher: Mother Nature herself.