Despite where you live, there are simple things you can do to encourage your children to connect with nature.

Here are 8 practices to try today:

1. Look down, look up
2. Use your senses - feel, smell, listen
3. Stop, pause and notice what's around you
4. Sit spots - sit somewhere outside and have some quiet time
5. Carry a basket and collect items found on the ground
6. On a walk, take out a blank journal and coloured pencils, sketch what you see
7. Read nature books, particularly season books, to spark interest
8. Carry a magnifying glass 

Not only do these action help you and your child connect with the natural environment, they are also a practice of presence and mindfulness which can help decrease worry and anxiety.