Nurtured by nature: Outdoor play for children’s mental health

Established in 2014, Nature Play SA is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to encouraging the community to connect with nature in creative, sustainable and meaningful ways. Research shows that time spent in nature enhances our wellbeing and fosters a deeper connection with both the environment and oneself.

In this episode our host Nadia Rossi is joined by Amy Saunders, the Wellbeing Impact Lead from Nature Play SA. Amy talks about how playing outside in nature can help to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and provide moments of connection for families. 

In this episode you will learn: 

• What nature play is and how it can support the mental health and wellbeing of children [00:01:04].
• Ways parents can encourage children to play outside [00:07:28].
• About ‘risky play’, the role it plays in your child’s development and how parents can support their children when they are testing their boundaries [00:19:39].
• Language and strategies parents can use to look after themselves and their children during ‘risky play’ [00:25:45].

Further information and resources

Nature Play SA 

Parent-child relationship: How positive connections support children’s wellbeing