C&NN 2017 International Conference and Summit

As our time in interaction with significant others and in nature declines, mental health providers, educators, researchers, and parents are wondering what this may mean for children’s development and their ultimate wellbeing.

Anne Stewart, professor of psychology and practicing family and play therapist at James Madison University, Virginia, USA, will share the evidence for the negative impact of less play time and less time in nature for children, families, and communities. She will describe how attachment theory supports nature-based play activities to promote attachment and regulation. Theory will be coupled with Brad and Bree Rudner, two parents with a background as wilderness guides and teachers, personal account of having slipped away from nature break through the obstacles of young parenthood and lift the whole family by spending times outdoors. Finally, discover how Nature Play Queensland in Australia has embraced use of an app, developed by health and early education professionals, to help unlock the secrets of how and why playing in nature benefits children.

The organizational narrative, use of the app, and the personal account provide research and experience based knowledge to support time outdoors as a family health and bonding retreat.