Episode #293: Matching Nature Time with Screen Time with 1000 Hours Outside

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Steph interviews Ginny, the founder of 1000 Hours Outside. Ginny is a is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and a thought-leader in the world of nature-based play and its benefits for children. Her 1000 Hours Outside Challenge spans the globe and many people from all walks of life look to her for inspiration as well as practical tips on how to put down the screens and get outside. In this episode, Steph and Ginny explore the benefits of outdoor time for kids and how it helps children thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. They tackle common questions parents have about reducing screentime and leave you with a realistic action plan to get started!

We are so grateful to our podcast partner, Active Skin Repair, for sponsoring this episode with 1000 Hours Outside. Because when kids are allow to explore the outdoors more often, you’ll likely need to use Active Skin Repair more often! Active Skin Repair is a natural solution to help support the bodies healing process for MANY skin issues AND also works as a sanitizer. It helps heal your little one’s sunburn, bug bites, rashes, and other skin irritations. Endorsed by Pediatricians and Dermatologists for use on even the youngest members of the family, but strong enough for some of the most extreme athletes in the world. It’s time to stock on something that’s safe and works for everyone in your family! Head over to BLDGActive.com and use code DOCTORMOM for 20% off. If you have HSA or FSA funds, you can use that too!

Today we are excited to share our interview with guest Ginny, the founder of 1000 Hours Outside. Ginny is a is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and a thought-leader in the world of nature-based play and its benefits for children. Her 1000 Hours Outside Challenge spans the globe and many people from all walks of life look to her for inspiration as well as practical tips on how to put down the screens and get outside. In this episode, Steph and Ginny explore the benefits of outdoor time for kids and how it helps children thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. They tackle common questions parents have about reducing screentime and leave you with a realistic action plan to get started!

Topics Discussed:

Signs our kids aren’t getting enough time in nature
How time outdoors contribute to a child’s well-being
Why it’s important for kids to be bored
Realistic outdoor ideas for busy parents
Advice for those in colder climates

Show Notes:

Follow @1000hoursoutside on Instagram
Visit 1000 Hours Outside website
Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell’s Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child’s number one health advocate!
Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD’s online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood.

Follow Steph & Dr. Elana on Instagram

This episode’s sponsor

Active Skin Repair is a must have for everyone to keep themselves and their families healthy and clean. Keep a bottle in the car to spray your face after removing your mask, a bottle in your medicine cabinet to replace your toxic first aid products, and one in your outdoor pack for whatever life throws at you. Use code DOCTORMOM to receive 20% off your order + free shipping (with $35 minimum purchase). Visit BLDGActive.com to order.

This episode’s guest

Ginny is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and the founder of 1000 Hours Outside. She is a thought-leader in the world of nature-based play and its benefits for children. One of her top priorities is to inspire parents to invest in spending time in God’s creation with their children. Her 1000 Hours Outside Challenge spans the globe and many people from all walks of life look to her for inspiration as well as practical tips on how to put down the screens and get outside. Ginny has a BS in Mathematics and a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Michigan, she loves growing zinnias, and she is also an author and illustrator. Her most recent book, 1000 Hours Outside: Activities to Match Screen Time with Green Time was published through DK Books in December, 2022. She also has three self-published books: 1000 Hours Outside: Prioritize Nature, Reclaim Childhood, and Experience a Fuller Life (May, 2022), 1000 Hours Outside Activity book (April, 2021), and her children’s book The Little Farmhouse in West Virginia (February, 2019).