


Ep 105 | How Independent Play Builds Resilient and Happy Kids with Rusty Keeler
The research is showing us that our kids are not okay. They are anxious, depressed, and worried. We have to do something, and my guest today has one solution that is actually very simple.
Play! More unstructured, unsupervised, rough and tumble play time.
I have Rusty Keeler, Playscape Designer and Author, joining me on the Heartful Parent Podcast today to break down all things play, playscapes, and the importance of letting our kids just BE.
So. What is play? Why is it important? What happens when our kids don’t get enough play? How do we help our teens and tweens play?
With over 30 years of experience in the field, Rusty shares his wisdom on the power of independent play for fostering resilience and emotional well-being in children. A “free-range” childhood has many benefits, including combating ever present anxiety and depression that haunts our kids, tweens, and teens.
Rusty is sharing insights for parents who want to nurture happier, healthier kids. Rusty and I also explore how we can design inclusive, natural play spaces that benefit not just younger children but also older kids and teens. Listen, and share, to help reimagine play and give your child the tools they need to thrive in a fast-paced world.
Resources:
Adventures in Risky Play by Rusty Keeler
Natural Playscapes by Rusty Keeler
Seasons of Play by Rusty Keeler
Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide
Follow Rusty @rustykeelerdesigns Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn – @rustykeeler
Transcript:
Follow Christy @theheartfulparent | Join the Heartful Parent Academy with code PODCAST
Share This!
Subscribe
to the podcast
Apply
to be a guest
Get Social
with Christy

Christy Keating is a certified parent coach, positive discipline educator, and motivational speaker. She is the founder and CEO of The Heartful Parent Collective, which includes Heartful Parent Coaching, Savvy Parents Safe Kids, and Heartful Parent Academy.
The mother of two amazing daughters, Christy strives to build a happier, healthier world - one child, one parent, and one family at a time.