How Nature Can Help You and Your Child’s Mental Health

In our fast-paced world, filled with busy schedules and screens, many families find themselves increasingly disconnected from nature. However, science shows that nature plays an important role in helping us and our children feel more regulated and connected, and better able to cope with life (Chavaly & Naachimuthu, 2020).

As a provider of nature based pediatric occupational therapy in Santa Clarita, we see firsthand how outdoor experiences support children’s nervous system regulation, emotional development, and family connection in meaningful, lasting ways. Why We’re Losing Touch

Our busy lives often pull us away from outdoor experiences, through increased screen time, structured activities, and limited free outdoor play, contributing to a “nature disconnect” that may affect well-being. This is a real concern among pediatric and public health researchers, who emphasize that access to natural environments is an important component of holistic health (Fyfe-Johnson et al., 2021).

Nature Strengthens Connection and Regulation

Being in nature offers opportunities for shared experiences that support emotional regulation and connection, especially for caregivers and children. Some studies have found that children who have a strong connection to nature experience improved mood, prosocial behavior, and a decrease in negative emotional states. (Aykut & Kara, 2025). Nature also offers a space for caregivers to decompress in fresh air and step out of the endless “do” cycle that characterizes modern life. This is one reason why pediatric occupational therapy often incorporates movement, sensory experiences, and natural environments to support regulation, social skills, and overall development.

Building a Lifelong Relationship with Nature

Nature isn’t just beneficial in the moment, but it can also plant seeds for long-term well-being. Emerging research shows that adolescents and young adults with a strong connection to nature report better mental well-being and social connectedness, demonstrating how these benefits can support development across childhood and into adulthood (Madera et al., 2024).

How to Bring Nature Into Everyday Life

• Create outdoor habits: go for a morning or afternoon walk, spend time in the backyard, or plan regular park visits

• Explore local green spaces. If you live in Santa Clarita Valley, CA area here are some local resources we have to offer: parks, local community gardens, Guided hikes on nature trails, or even neighborhoods and streets lined with trees.

  
  

  Bring nature inside:

• paint garden pots and plant herbs, plant a windowsill garden, or build a bird feeder.

• Unstructured outdoor play: give children opportunities to explore nature freely

• Nature rituals: bird and sky watching or outdoor journaling with your child.
  

Families seeking pediatric occupational therapy in Santa Clarita often find that incorporating these spaces into their weekly rhythm supports their child’s therapy goals in a simple and sustainable way. A Reminder for Caregivers

You don’t need to plan for perfect weather. Don’t wait for the perfect time to go outside. The benefits we get from nature only require presence. Even a short time outdoors can shift mood, reduce stress, and create a shared space for growth, connection, and healing.

Nature is one of the simplest, most accessible ways to help families thrive, not just survive, but flourish together.

**StepOutside OT is an affiliate of Amazon, and we get a small commission from purchases made through these links. Authored by: Christina Spinello OTS Co-Authored by: Jamie Cruz OTR/L

References:

Aykut, M., & Kara, H. G. E. (2025). The mediating role of the connection with nature in the relationship between behavioral problems and emotion regulation in early childhood. Frontiers in Psychology, 16,1583794. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1583794

Chavaly, D., & Naachimuthu, K. P. (2020). Human-nature connection and mental health: What do we know so far? Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing, 11(01). https://doi.org/10.15614/ijhw.v11i01.18

Fyfe-Johnson, A. L., Hazlehurst, M. F., Perrins, S. P., Bratman, G. N., Thomas, R.,Garrett, K. A., Hafferty, K. R., Cullaz, T. M., Marcuse, E. K., & Tandon, P. S. (2021). Nature and children's health: A Systematic review. Pediatrics, 148(4), e2020049155. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2020-049155

Madera, F., Olcese, M., & Migliorini, L. (2024). A systematic review of nature connectedness in adolescents and young adults: Fostering environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 52(3-4), 400–434. https://doi.org/10.1080/10852352.2025.2474909