Why My Kids (And I) Are Happier Since We Started “Forest Bathing” – A Parent’s Guide to Nature Therapy

Look, between work deadlines and managing two kids, I never thought I’d become the kind of person who talks about “forest bathing” without feeling ridiculous. But here we are. After seeing how much spending time in nature has helped my kids (and honestly, helped me survive parenthood), I’ve gone down yet another research rabbit hole – this time into something called nature therapy and ecopsychology.

I know how that sounds. When my wife first caught me reading articles about ecotherapy at 2 AM (teething baby, couldn’t sleep anyway), she asked if this was another phase like my houseplant obsession. Fair question. But after seeing the changes in our family when we started prioritizing outdoor time, I think she’s coming around.

It started when my son got his ADHD diagnosis. His pediatrician mentioned that structured outdoor time could be part of managing symptoms, alongside medication and behavioral support. I’d already noticed he was calmer after playing in our backyard garden, so I started digging into the research behind it.

Turns out, what I’d been observing isn’t just anecdotal. There’s actual science backing up what a lot of parents instinctively know – that kids (and adults) feel better when they spend regular time in nature. Ecotherapy, or nature therapy, is based on the idea that humans have this built-in connection to the natural world, and when we nurture that connection, it genuinely affects our mental and physical health.

The research I found was pretty compelling. Studies showing that time in nature can reduce stress, improve focus, and boost overall well-being. For kids with attention issues like my son, it can be especially helpful. The technical term is “attention restoration theory” – basically, natural environments give our brains a break from the constant stimulation of modern life.

I stumbled across this concept called “forest bathing” in one of the parenting forums I follow. It sounds very zen and intimidating, but it’s actually just about slowing down in a natural setting and engaging all your senses. No special equipment needed, no expertise required. Just being present in nature instead of rushing through it.

We tried it one weekend at a local state park. Instead of our usual “let’s hike to the playground” approach, we just… wandered. Listened to birds. Let the kids touch tree bark and smell different plants. My daughter started pointing out cloud shapes. My son collected interesting rocks without me telling him to hurry up.

The difference in their mood was noticeable. Less bickering, more curiosity. They were tired in a good way afterward – not the overstimulated exhaustion they get from too much screen time, but genuinely relaxed. That night, bedtime was easier than it had been in weeks.

I started reading about ecopsychology, which is this emerging field that studies how our relationship with the environment affects our mental health. One thing that stuck with me was this idea called the “Ecopresence Narrative” – the concept that we’re not separate from nature, we’re part of it. When we act like stewards instead of just consumers, it gives us this sense of purpose and connection.

That’s what got us involved in the community park project I mentioned. My kids love knowing they’re helping create a space that other families will enjoy. It’s teaching them that they can have a positive impact on their environment, which seems to boost their confidence in other areas too.

The beauty of nature therapy is that you don’t need perfect access to wilderness. I mean, we live in suburbia – our “nature” is often just the local park or our backyard. But even small doses seem to make a difference. Here’s what we’ve learned works for our family:

**Daily outdoor time**: We aim for at least 20 minutes outside every day, even if it’s just the backyard. The kids can play while I tend to plants or just sit and decompress. I started noticing this helps me transition from work mode to parent mode way better than scrolling my phone for 20 minutes ever did.

**Sensory engagement**: Instead of rushing the kids through outdoor time, I try to slow down and encourage them to actually notice their surroundings. What do they hear? How does the air smell? What do different textures feel like? My son, who usually has trouble focusing, will spend ages examining a single leaf when I’m not pushing him to move on to the next thing.

**Gardening together**: This has been huge for both kids. Getting their hands in dirt, watching plants grow, harvesting tomatoes they planted themselves. My daughter went through a phase where she’d only eat vegetables she’d helped grow, which was fine by me. There’s something about having that direct connection to where food comes from that seems to ground them.

**Nature journaling**: I started bringing a notebook when we go to parks, and the kids draw or write about what they see. It’s become this natural way for them to process their experiences. My daughter writes little stories about the animals we spot. My son draws detailed pictures of rocks and leaves. It helps them slow down and really observe instead of just racing around.

**Conservation activities**: We’ve participated in local park cleanups and stream restoration projects. The kids love feeling like they’re helping, and it reinforces that idea of being caretakers rather than just visitors in natural spaces. Plus, it’s a good way to meet other families who share similar values.

I know what you’re thinking – who has time for all this when you’re already juggling work, school schedules, and everything else? Trust me, I get it. Some weeks we barely manage to keep everyone fed and in clean clothes, let alone plan meaningful nature experiences.

But that’s the thing I’ve learned about nature therapy – it doesn’t have to be elaborate. Even just eating lunch outside instead of at the kitchen table counts. Having the kids help water plants while I make dinner. Walking to school instead of driving when weather permits. Small changes that fit into our existing routine.

The bigger revelation for me has been realizing how much I needed this too. Those early parenting years, I was so focused on meeting everyone else’s needs that I forgot I was allowed to have needs myself. Spending time outside, whether it’s gardening after the kids go to bed or taking a few minutes to sit in the backyard with my coffee before they wake up, has become essential for my mental health.

I’ve connected with other parents who are trying similar approaches. We share ideas for outdoor activities, troubleshoot challenges (like how to motivate kids to go outside when they’d rather play video games), and honestly just remind each other that this stuff matters even when it feels like one more thing to manage.

The research on ecopsychology talks about how this isn’t just beneficial for humans – when we develop stronger connections to nature, we’re more likely to make choices that protect the environment. I see this happening with my kids already. They get genuinely upset about litter in parks. They ask questions about recycling and energy use. They’re developing this sense of responsibility for the natural world that I hope will stay with them as they grow up.

None of this has been a magic cure for the challenges we face as a family. My son still has ADHD. My daughter still gets anxious sometimes. I still have stressful days at work and moments when I question every parenting decision I’ve ever made. But incorporating more nature into our routine has definitely helped all of us cope better.

The evidence keeps backing this up. Studies show that outdoor air typically has fewer pollutants than indoor air – so we’re literally breathing better when we spend time outside. Research on forest bathing shows measurable reductions in stress hormones. Kids who spend regular time in nature show improved focus and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.

What I love about nature therapy is that it’s accessible regardless of your budget or expertise level. You don’t need special equipment or training. You don’t have to live near mountains or oceans. Urban parks, community gardens, even individual trees on city streets can provide these benefits.

If you’re dealing with similar challenges – kids who struggle with focus, families that feel disconnected, general stress about the state of the world – I’d encourage you to try some of these approaches. Start small. Take a walk without phones. Let your kids get dirty in the garden. Sit outside for a few minutes and just breathe.

I’m curious to hear from other parents who’ve tried nature therapy or ecopsychology approaches. What’s worked for your family? What challenges have you faced? How do you balance screen time with outdoor time in a way that doesn’t turn you into the fun police?

The more I learn about this stuff, the more convinced I am that we’re onto something important. In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, helping our kids (and ourselves) maintain that connection to the natural world feels like one of the most valuable things we can do.