Positive Parenting: Planting Purpose and Cultivating Connection
University of New Haven environmental psychologist Bryce DuBois, PhD, says family-led initiatives like this do more than plant seeds — they inspire action.
ORLANDO, Florida – In a time when parents are looking for ways to help their children build resilience — some young people are turning to the roots, literally. Studies show that spending time outdoors and participating in community-based solutions can ease stress and reduce anxiety in youth and young adults, especially as they face a world filled with uncertainty.
Kate Kandle and her brother David are cultivating an empty urban lot into a blooming farm.
“It reminds me so much of growing up,” said Kate.
Growing up together, now they’re growing for their community.
Every Monday morning the two harvest and Monday afternoon they head to market.
“A tight knit community is really important to me,” said David.
“I’m trying to provide food to people in a way that is not harming the earth or the people that I’m trying to feed,” explained Kate.
“Getting out here, putting your hands in the dirt… living life in the moment,” remarked David.
“It feels powerful to be working with family,” Kate told Ivanhoe.
University of New Haven environmental psychologist Bryce DuBois, PhD, says family-led initiatives like this do more than plant seeds — they inspire action.
“People can participate in these kinds of practices as a way to both make a change in their local environment,” he said.
A global study found 59% of young people felt extremely worried about the environment but taking action, even with a small urban farm, can reduce that stress.
“Great opportunities for folks to turn from an anxiety perspective to thinking about a solutions-based perspective,” Prof. DuBois told Ivanhoe.
“Kind of taking a deep breath and realizing oh, things aren’t always that bad,” explained David.
“We want our lives to be like interconnected and I think like you connect your food to the person who’s growing it, to the community that you’re spending your time with and it’s like this full circle and it’s beautiful,” said Kate.
Kate and David hope their work inspires other young people to step up — together. Studies show that when young people take part in community-based solutions, it helps reduce anxiety, build resilience, and strengthen their sense of purpose. Experts say shifting from feeling overwhelmed to taking action is one of the most effective ways to help youth cope with environmental stress.
