This 84-page guide has a strong focus on nurturing the mental health and wellbeing of families, including providing accessible, nature-based methods that can be practiced at home, your neighbourhood and nearby nature.
This article explains why getting dirty in the garden can be even more beneficial for mental health than previously thought. Antidepressant microbes in soil may increase production of serotonin, a stress reducing hormone in humans. The Mycobacterium vaccae bacterium was tested both by injection and ingestion on rats, and the results were increased cognitive ability, lower stress and better concentration on tasks than a control group. Includes links to original research.
This article takes an evolutionary perspective of children’s risky play, looking at evolutionary functions and the anti-phobic effects of risky play.
According to non-associative theory, infants develop fear of things (like heights and strangers) to protect them from situations they are not mature enough to naturally cope with. Risky play provides children with the experience of facing situations they were previously scared of, coupled with a thrilling positive emotion. As they learn to cope with these situations and gain a sense of mastery, their fear no longer holds power.
The authors conclude that risky play may have evolved as a natural phobia reducing developmental mechanism and that consequently, being hindered from taking part in age appropriate risky play may in fact increase the likelihood of mental health problems later in life.
This report from the National Wildlife Federation reveals how getting down and dirty in the great outdoors — far from being a bad thing — has many benefits. Mud play builds children’s immune systems, strengthens their cardiovascular system, assists skin with healing, improves mood, facilitates learning and decreases anxiety. It also explains why children who do not spend time outside run the risk of developing serious health issues like obesity, myopia and vitamin D deficiency.
Professor Jennie Hudson, researcher at the Centre for Emotional Health in the Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, focusses on the prevention and treatment of children’s emotional health problems using cognitive behavioural therapy. She makes the link between a risk averse society and what that means for children’s abilities to face their fears. Prof. Hudson explains why making mistakes are inevitable but their power to create a courageous coping model are so important. Hear why parents are asked to encourage their children to perform little acts of bravery, often.
Length: 17m : 44s
This clip from Gardening Australia has presenter Sophie Thomson visiting Upper Sturt Primary school where the bush is their classroom. Gives examples of experiential learning in practice and the health benefits for children (and adults) of bringing learning outdoors in nature.
Length: 5m : 35s