1KHO 586: Play-Based Childhoods Are Being Stolen | Nicole Runyon, Free to Fly

What happens when kids grow up without free play? Licensed therapist Nicole Runyon, LMSW , has been on the frontlines of America’s childhood mental health crisis, and what she’s seen is sobering: most of the children filling therapy offices don’t actually need therapy—they need their parents to reclaim the foundations of childhood. In this episode, we dig into her groundbreaking book Free to Fly and uncover why play, movement, discomfort, and independence are not luxuries—they are the very building blocks of healthy development. Screens, overpathologizing, and permissive parenting are stealing what used to come naturally, and our kids are paying the price. Nicole explains why play-based childhoods are being stolen from today’s iGeneration , how “drug addiction begins with the iPad,” and why discomfort is not the enemy but the doorway to confidence and resilience. We cover everything from the dangers of tracking teens and delaying driving, to the epidemic of broken children overwhelmed by screens, junk food, and anxiety. Most importantly, Nicole reminds us that the answer lies within the family unit. Parents have more power than they think, and small, courageous choices can restore independence, health, and joy to the next generation. A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below: Select Quote: Head to ⁠⁠ www.selectquote.com/1000hours ⁠⁠ to learn more. BetterHelp: Visit ⁠⁠ www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS ⁠⁠ today to get 10% off your first month. Quince - Visit ⁠⁠ www.quince.com/outside ⁠⁠ and get free shipping and 365 day returns NIV Application Bible - visit ⁠⁠ www.NIVapplicationbible.com ⁠⁠ if you’re looking to grow in your understanding of Scripture and make it real in your daily life. NurtureLife - Head to ⁠⁠ NurtureLife.com/1000HOURS55 ⁠⁠ and use code 1000HOURS55 for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping. Piper and Leaf: get a 10% off discount to the Advent Calendar when you ⁠⁠ order here ⁠⁠ ! Earthley - Use the code 1000hours to get 10% off your next purchase at ⁠⁠ www.earthley.com ⁠⁠ . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices