Could the simple act of spending more time outside be the key to restoring health, peace, and connection in your home? In this episode, Ginny Yurich shares how embracing long days outdoors not only transformed her entire motherhood experience but also sparked the global 1000 Hours Outside movement. From letting go of rigid schedules to reclaiming childhood from screens, Ginny’s story points us back to the simple, grounding rhythms of home, health, and family life that brought us to homesteading in the first place.
In this episode, we cover:
Ginny’s early struggles with rigid parenting schedules and exhausting days with little ones
How Ginny first stumbled upon Charlotte Mason’s recommendation of spending 4–6 hours outside each day
What marked Ginny’s first good day as a mom and how it changed her family’s trajectory
The birth of 1000 Hours Outside to reclaim childhood from screen time
How her family’s health transformed by being outside each day– kids eating, sleeping, and playing better, fewer doctor visits
Why natural light and outdoor rhythms are essential for eyes, sleep, and overall wellness
Tools for families: trackers, coloring sheets, and a mobile app to make goals fun
Shifting from traditional homeschooling to a slower, life-centered approach
Homeschooling without constant testing—kids will thrive, learn deeply, and pursue real-world goals
Reflections on industrialization, homesteading, and restoring family life at home
View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.
Thank you to our sponsors!
KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and construction
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ABOUT GINNY
Ginny Yurich is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and the founder and CEO of 1000 Hours Outside; a global movement, media company and lifestyle brand with a mission centered around reclaiming childhood, reconnecting families and helping people live a fuller life.
She is the host and producer of the extremely popular The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, a keynote public speaker, zinnia enthusiast, and published author.
Holding a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Michigan, Ginny and her husband, Josh have been married for over 21 years and are lifelong Michiganders. They love raising their five children on their little hobby farm in “The Great Lakes State.”
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Get your hands on the REFORMER merch Amy is wearing in this podcast episode
Track your family’s hours outside using these resources on Ginny’s website
Grab your copy of Ginny's book, Homeschooling: You're Doing It Right Just By Doing It
CONNECT
Ginny Yurich | Website | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Podcast
Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest