Student Wellbeing

Creating bonds with your children and young people

Experiencing the outdoors is literally a breath of fresh air! Being outdoors activates our senses - what we can hear, smell, see and touch. 

Giving children an opportunity for nature play provides an unstructured space for exploration. Taking photos and journaling an afternoon adventure is a great way to invest in the world around us. It helps us to be curious and gives space for reflection, to experience our present moment, process past worries or grow us after a sad or worrying experience. Seeing that life goes on, that when nature takes a hit, it finds a pathway for regrowth. 

Resilience is not just about pushing forward. We grow in the struggle and working through disappointment, not in the avoidance of these things.

Curiosity and exploring the world with confidence are enabled when our children and young people feel emotionally secure. Being able to connect with family stories and shared values helps shape their identity. Together with grounding experiences, a strong sense of self and cultural identity is contributed to. 

Grounding experiences help to lower stress and anxiety with their predictable and supportive nature, serving as a protective factor against challenges to mental health, particularly for young people, as they are foundational to building relationships outside of the family.

Spending time together as ‘family’ (sometimes this looks like spending time with significant people in our lives) is incredibly important for children and young people to help shape their emotional, social, and cognitive development in meaningful ways. Young people can explore their identity whilst being anchored and stay connected to their roots. 

Familiar routines and supportive relationships buffer against stress and anxiety and foster trust. Eating together, enjoying time together, playing games or going on adventures, teach children and young people skills to resolve conflict and express emotions in healthy ways, learnt through observed behaviours. Learning and cognitive development are supported through ‘together’ activities such as reading, cooking or exploring nature. The nature of shared experiences often reinforces school learning and promotes critical thinking. 

Regular, meaningful time with family strengthens communication and emotional bonds. Role modelling empathy, responsibility, and perseverance, these values become internalised through repeated, meaningful interactions.

Types of grounding experiences for children

• Barefoot mindful walks on grass, soil, sand, or forest floors, encouraging everyone to notice textures, temperatures, and sensations.
• Nature journaling: drawing or writing about what you observe, hear, and feel in nature.

• Family gardening teaches responsibility, patience, and the cycle of life.

  Tip: Let each family member choose a plant to care for.

• Nature scavenger hunts: searching for natural items like pinecones, feathers, or specific leaves. Create themed hunts (e.g., colours, textures, sounds). Reflect on: What was the most surprising thing you found? How did you work together as a team?

• Campfire storytelling or stargazing builds imagination and family connection.

  Tip: Bring a telescope or use a stargazing app for added fun.

Types of grounding experiences for young people

• Family rituals and traditions such as weekly family dinners or movie nights celebrating cultural or religious holidays, annual trips or seasonal activities (e.g., camping, beach days)
• One-on-One time with parents and/or significant people includes going for walks, coffee, or drives together to talk about their interests, goals, or challenges; enjoying common hobbies.
• Nature and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or gardening, beach walks or stargazing and volunteering for environmental causes
• Creative and reflective practices including journaling, creating art or music together and storytelling
• Acts of service and responsibility involving young people helping their younger siblings or grandparents
• Digital detox, where all family enjoy tech-free family time or retreats

Mel Batchelor

Junior School Counsellor