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 511: Parents Are Right to Nag Their Kids to Go Outside | Thomas Kersting, Disconnected
The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast
1 hour 1 minute
3 weeks ago
1KHO 511: Parents Are Right to Nag Their Kids to Go Outside | Thomas Kersting, Disconnected
In his fourth appearance on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Thomas Kersting—licensed therapist, author, and former school counselor—returns to share what he’s witnessed over 25 years on the front lines of youth mental health. From skyrocketing anxiety levels since 2012 to rising oppositional behavior and sleep deprivation, Kersting explains how screens, social conformity, and parental fear have reshaped childhood—and not for the better. But he also offers hope: the solution is far simpler than most realize.
With deep warmth and clarity, Kersting makes a powerful case for play, silence, movement, and in-person connection. He affirms that parents should set limits, should pull back from tech, and should fight for childhood as it once was. And yes—he says it loud and clear—parents are absolutely right to nag their children to go outside. This episode is a wake-up call and a rallying cry for families who want something better.
📚 Get Thomas Kersting’s books:
– Disconnected → https://amzn.to/3Kz6nXa
– Raising Healthy Teenagers → https://amzn.to/3VVaqBO
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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.
