1KHO 489: Why Modern Childhood Is Failing Kids' Bodies and Brains | Angela Hanscom, Balanced and Barefoot

In one of the most powerful episodes of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast to date, Ginny Yurich welcomes back Angela Hanscom—pediatric occupational therapist, author of Balanced and Barefoot , and founder of TimberNook —for her fifth and most stirring conversation yet. Angela unpacks the developmental consequences of our modern restrictions on movement—from limited recess to screen-heavy lifestyles—and why so many kids today are falling out of chairs, struggling with emotional regulation, and losing their sense of joy. This episode is a wake-up call for parents, educators, and policymakers. Hanscom explains why simple, vigorous play—rolling, spinning, climbing, swinging—is not optional, but essential for neurological development, sensory integration, and future learning. With clarity, evidence, and compassion, she makes the case that three (or more!) hours of outdoor movement daily isn’t just ideal—it’s developmental oxygen. If you’ve ever wondered how to give your kids a thriving summer and a better future, start here. ** Get your copy of Balanced and Barefoot here Learn more about TimberNook here A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below: Geviti: Visit https://www.gogeviti.com/1000hoursoutside for 20% off your first three months of membership! Active Skin Repair: Visit www.ActiveSkinRepair.com to learn more about Active Skin Repair and their commitment to 1% for the planet and use code: 1000hours to save 20% on all Active Skin Repair products Select Quote: Head to www.selectquote.com/1000hours to learn more. Crowd Health: Learn more at www.joincrowdhealth.com and get started today for just $99 per month for your first three months by using code 1000HOURS. BetterHelp: Visit www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS today to get 10% off your first month. Fay Nutrition: Visit https://tinyurl.com/1KHOFayNutrition to see if you qualify for a dietitian for $0 CRU: Visit https://tinyurl.com/1KHOCru to sign up for a $24 monthly gift, and receive a free copy of Until The Streetlights Come On Reliefband - Get 20% off plus free shipping at https://tinyurl.com/1KHOreliefband Quince - Visit https://tinyurl.com/1KHOQuince and get free shipping and 365 day returns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices