The Child and Nature Alliance of Canada states, while obesity and poor mental health are complex problems, researchers believe that—among children—more screen time and less physical and outdoor play are among the causes and quotes the National Wildlife Federation, “our kids are out of shape, tuned out and stressed out, because they’re missing something essential to their health and development: connection to the natural world.” The evidence suggests that viewing, interacting with, and living in natural environments can have multiple effects on reducing stress, increasing patience, increasing self-discipline, increasing capacity for attention, increasing recovery for mental fatigue, or from crisis and from psycho-physiological imbalance. Some children and youth, in particular, can benefit from a nature program including those who struggle socially, have an emotional issue, such as anxiety or depression,  are troubled teens, enjoy the outdoors, are interested in animals and plants, and like to explore. Nature assisted counselling provides a therapeutic environment that creates a calming effect which then allows children to develop social skills, increased confidence and self-esteem.