Raise calmer, happier, healthier children with these fun, hands-on nature activities for parents and kids to enjoy together. Are your kids stressed? Are they feeling a bit down? Do your children - and you - need a break from screens? Nature can help. What we all suspected intuitively for generations, science has now confirmed: spending time connecting to nature is a safe, effective tool to help improve our health and happiness.
In Finding Ecohappiness , author Sandi Schwartz guides families in building regular habits of experiencing nature to reduce stress and boost mood. She explores key positive psychology tools from a nature-loving perspective. You will learn some simple, practical tips for incorporating these tools - awe and gratitude, mindfulness, creative arts, outdoor play and adventure, volunteering, food, and animals - into your daily routine to help your children thrive and live a happy, balanced life.
Finding Ecohappiness will introduce you to all kinds of engaging nature activities you can do with your kids, from hiking and bike rides to visiting nature centres and science museums to volunteering outdoors to embarking on ecotourism adventures. In addition, you will discover unique nature relaxation activities like cow cuddling, animal yoga, forest bathing, float therapy, and earthing. Nature isn't just for kids, either - doing these activities with your children will tremendously improve your own well-being, too.
A must-read for all families, Finding Ecohappiness will help you protect your children from feeling stressed and overwhelmed; manage your children's current issues regarding stress, anxiety, and mood; and improve family togetherness.
About the Author
Sandi Schwartz is a journalist specializing in parenting, wellness, and the environment. She has written for Chicken Soup for the Soul, Scary Mommy, and Very Well Family, among other publications She founded the Ecohappiness Project to help families build a nature habit to feel happier and calmer by exploring positive psychology tools through a nature lens. Previously, she held communications positions at the United States Environmental Protection Agency and National Academy of Sciences.
Schwartz has a Masters in Government (Environmental focus) from Johns Hopkins University and Specialization Certificate in Foundations of Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. She is an active member in environmental and writing organisations including Children & Nature Network, American Society of Journalists and Authors, Sierra Club, and more. Schwartz splits time between Florida and New Jersey with her husband and two children.
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Industry Reviews
I highly recommend this book to any family interested in accessing themany benefits of the natural world. The tips and activities are practical and simple to adopt, while also being assured to help any child or family gain the full health and happiness benefits nature provides. -- Dennis Kiley, founder, EcoPsychology Initiative
Finding Ecohappiness is a welcome and needed addition for every home and classroom. Tools and tips are shared throughout, and the checklists and resources at the end of each chapter are ready made for busy parents,teachers, and caregivers. Bravo! -- Harriet Shugarman, award-winning author ofHow to Talk to Your Kids About Climate Change
Through personal experiences, expert interviews, and social science research, Sandi Schwartz provides a comprehensive, accessible guide tousing the natural environment to boost your familys mental health. If you struggle with anxiety or just want to find a bit more ecohappiness,you should definitely check out this book! -- Shannon Brescher Shea, author of Growing Sustainable Together
Finding Ecohappinessis filled with important activities that children andfamilies need right now. This book is a huge inspiration and an essentialtool in our arsenal that we will utilize again and again! -- Giselle Shardlow, Kids Yoga Stories
With compelling scientific research, concise storytelling and actionable tips,Finding Ecohappiness will help families harness the awesome powerof nature to stay connected, reduce stress and increase happiness. -- Natalie Silverstein, MPH, author of Simple Acts: The Busy Familys Guide to Giving Back
My daughter is an environmentalist who also has been diagnosed with anxiety.Finding Ecohappiness provided a wealth of science-backed information and activities that have helped her. She loved the guided relaxation along with many other activities. All types of families can benefit from trying the various suggested activities and resources that are accessible to anyone. -- Cheryl Maguire, MSCP, journalist
Finding Ecohappiness is a beautiful and informative guide to calming our mind and replenishing our souls in nature for ourselves as well as our children. Kyra Sedgwick, actor/director
