How Nature Can Protect Your Child’s Mental Health

Modern parenting often feels like a race against time. Between school pressures, screens, and rising rates of anxiety and depression, many parents are left wondering what their children truly need—and how to support them without burning out themselves.

In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino is joined by occupational therapist, naturalist, parent coach, and author Kathleen Lockyer, founder of the Nature Led Approach and author of Wild Inside. With more than 25 years of experience in child development, mental health, sensory integration, and trauma-informed care, Kathleen offers a reframing of youth mental health—rooted in our forgotten connection to nature.

The discussion explores:

1. Why so many children and teens are dysregulated, anxious, or misunderstood
2. How behaviour often has sensory and nervous system roots—not defiance
3. The science behind nature’s ability to calm the brain and reduce anxiety, ADHD, and depression
4. Why just 10 minutes outdoors can make a meaningful difference
5. Simple, realistic ways parents can reconnect with nature alongside their kids—no camping trips required

Lockyer also shares personal insights from her own parenting journey, introducing concepts like “sit spots” and “ecoception” to help families slow down, rebuild connection, and foster a sense of belonging in an increasingly overwhelming world.

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. whereparentstalk.com