In the late 1980s, scientists launched an ambitious experiment in the Arizona desert called Biosphere 2. It was one of the first and largest attempts to create an artificial self-sustaining ecosystem, with 7 different biomes completely enclosed within the 3.14 acre facility.
Biosphere 2 was originally meant to demonstrate the viability of artificial ecosystems which could someday support human life in space, but sadly, the experiment never achieved its goal. There were many unexpected challenges, but a great deal was learned from these failures.One striking discovery was that the trees inside Biosphere 2 grew rapidly, but collapsed before ever reaching maturity. It was confusing because the plants were provided with everything they should need to thrive; good soil, oxygen, water, sunlight. But, something was obviously missing.
The designers of the biome had not realised that young trees require wind to develop the strength they need to stand tall. You see, wind keeps trees constantly moving. When the wind blows, it shakes and bends the tree which tugs at roots and compresses and stretches the wood. In response, the root system spreads out to create a stronger anchor where needed, while the compressed wood cells adapt, becoming tougher and more rigid. This creates something inside the tree called reaction wood, or stress wood, which reinforces the trunk and branches against strain and stress. It appears that in the absence of hardship, the trees in Biosphere 2 grew up fragile and weak.
Children are much the same. In The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt argues that a recent shift in parenting and social norms has left many children feeling more anxious and depressed, and less prepared for life's challenges. He explains that well-meaning parents too often intervene to prevent discomfort or failure, unintentionally depriving children of the experiences that build confidence and resilience. As a result, many young people struggle with decision-making, emotional regulation, and the ability to tolerate distress.
A child who is never allowed to climb a tree may not only miss out on the thrill of reaching the top, but may also grow up hesitant to take necessary risks in adulthood. A child who is quickly distracted or placated when big emotions arise may later struggle to self-soothe and ground themselves effectively. A child who is always rescued from social conflict or rejection may lack the skills to navigate social environments later in life.
It’s through these kinds of experiences that children learn to assess risks, push their limits, and bounce back from failure. They discover in real time how to navigate friendships, resolve disputes, and how to recover from a fall - both physical and emotional. Without the chance to freely and fully experience these aspects of life, children don’t just avoid hardship - they miss out on the skills and confidence gained from overcoming it.
This isn’t to say we should allow children to dive headfirst into danger or leave them to figure things out all on their own, but they do need opportunities to test themselves in safe but challenging ways. Psychologists call this concept antifragility - it’s the idea that small doses of stress and struggle make us stronger over time. In the same way that muscles endure small tears to grow (i.e. hypertrophy), children need space (and a little patience from us) to experience setbacks, adapt, and try again.
Haidt writes that “just as the immune system must be exposed to germs, and trees must be exposed to wind, children require exposure to setbacks, failures, shocks, and stumbles in order to develop strength and self-reliance.”
In other words, take chances, make mistakes, and get messy! Thanks Ms Frizzle. 😋
