Childhood is finite at just shy of 9.5 million minutes. We only get one shot at it. One of the biggest decisions we make is how we will use that time. Research has confirmed time and time again that what children are naturally and unabashedly drawn to, unrestricted outside play, contributes extensively to every area of childhood development. The importance here cannot be understated. Every year we aim to match nature time with the average amount of American kid screen time (which is currently 1200 hours per year). Have a goal. Track your time outside. Take back childhood. Inspire others.
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Childhood is finite at just shy of 9.5 million minutes. We only get one shot at it. One of the biggest decisions we make is how we will use that time. Research has confirmed time and time again that what children are naturally and unabashedly drawn to, unrestricted outside play, contributes extensively to every area of childhood development. The importance here cannot be understated. Every year we aim to match nature time with the average amount of American kid screen time (which is currently 1200 hours per year). Have a goal. Track your time outside. Take back childhood. Inspire others.
1KHO 451: Trust Your Kids More and Worry About Them Less | Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, The Self-Driven Child
The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast
58 minutes
2 weeks ago
1KHO 451: Trust Your Kids More and Worry About Them Less | Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, The Self-Driven Child
Trust Your Kids More and Worry About Them Less isn’t just advice—it’s a revolutionary mindset that could change your parenting forever. In this powerful episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, host Ginny Yurich sits down with Ned Johnson and Dr. William Stixrud, authors of The Self-Driven Child and The Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child, to explore what children really need to thrive in today’s high-pressure, performance-driven culture. Drawing from decades of experience in neuropsychology, education, and working with families, Ned and Bill share a deeply hopeful and science-backed message: when kids feel a sense of control over their lives, their mental health flourishes, their motivation ignites, and their joy returns.
Together, they unpack the cultural myths that are crushing childhood—like the belief that success hinges on relentless achievement or acceptance to a prestigious college. Instead, they advocate for autonomy, play, radical downtime, and the steady practice of parental trust. With humor, warmth, and actionable insight, this conversation offers an honest look at the fears we carry as parents and how to loosen our grip without letting go. If you’ve ever wondered how to raise a resilient, happy, and truly self-driven child, this episode will equip you to start today—with confidence.
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Get your copy of The Seven Principles of a Self-Directed child here
Learn more about Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson here
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The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast
Childhood is finite at just shy of 9.5 million minutes. We only get one shot at it. One of the biggest decisions we make is how we will use that time. Research has confirmed time and time again that what children are naturally and unabashedly drawn to, unrestricted outside play, contributes extensively to every area of childhood development. The importance here cannot be understated. Every year we aim to match nature time with the average amount of American kid screen time (which is currently 1200 hours per year). Have a goal. Track your time outside. Take back childhood. Inspire others.
