Podcast Summary: The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast
Episode: 1KHO 544: We Have to Protect Our Children | Heather Thompson Day, Can I Sit Here?
Release Date: August 8, 2025

Introduction and Background

In the premiere episode of "The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast," host Jenny Yurtz welcomes returning guest Heather Thompson Day to discuss critical issues surrounding childhood development, faith, and the newly released children's book, Can I Sit Here?

Jenny Yurtz ([00:30]):
"Childhood is finite at just shy of 9.5 million minutes. We only get one shot at it."

Heather Thompson Day ([00:39]):
"We are back, baby. I'm so happy to be with my Michigan girl."

The conversation kicks off with a personal anecdote about a challenging night involving lice, highlighting the unpredictable nature of parenting and the importance of a supportive community.

Discussion on Prayer Journals and Faith

Heather shares her profound practice of maintaining a prayer journal, where she documents prayers and their corresponding answers. This practice has deepened her faith and provided tangible evidence of God's faithfulness.

Heather Thompson Day ([03:12]):
"God keeps anniversaries with us that we have long since forgot... God pays attention to every prayer, even the ones refreshed years later."

She elaborates on her unique method of using rocks to symbolize answered prayers, creating a physical representation of faith that serves as a daily reminder of divine support.

Jenny Yurtz ([06:45]):
"Place the rock into the basket. That basket sits by my fireplace... It adds anticipation and expectation into your life."

London’s Book Can I Sit Here? and Bullying

The heart of the episode revolves around Heather's daughter, London, and her poignant children's book, Can I Sit Here?, which addresses the painful topic of exclusion and bullying in schools.

Heather Thompson Day ([07:46]):
"On my 11th birthday, I cried saying, 'I'm never gonna be a writer.' Years later, my daughter fulfilled that dream, turning her painful experiences into a book that others desperately need."

The book narrates London's personal experiences with bullying, emphasizing the emotional and psychological toll such behavior can have on children. It serves as both a therapeutic outlet for London and a vital resource for other children facing similar struggles.

The Seriousness of Bullying and Its Long-term Effects

Jenny underscores the gravity of bullying, noting its potential to lead to severe emotional distress and even suicidal thoughts among children.

Jenny Yurtz ([09:52]):
"Bullying can affect you for your whole life. It can even lead to attempts to end your life."

Heather shares her daughter's harrowing experiences, including physical confrontations and the lack of adequate support from the school, which ultimately led to their family relocating to protect London.

Heather Thompson Day ([10:03]):
"They kidnapped her trust by telling her, 'You're not being dramatic. It really happened,' and we had to remove her from that environment, even at great personal cost."

Empowering Children and Family-Based Solutions

The conversation shifts to empowering children to recognize and address feelings of loneliness, embarrassment, and exclusion. Heather emphasizes the importance of teaching children to seek out friendships and support actively.

Heather Thompson Day ([29:09]):
"We can control who we offer our hand towards. We need to stop looking in and start reaching out."

Jenny highlights how the book provides children with the vocabulary to express their emotions and encourages proactive empathy towards peers.

Jenny Yurtz ([28:28]):
"If you ever feel lonely or embarrassed or left out, you can be brave even when you're scared. You don't have to have friends to be friendly."

Personal Stories and Real-life Examples

Both Jenny and Heather share personal stories that illustrate the long-lasting impact of bullying and the critical role of supportive adults in mitigating its effects.

Jenny Yurtz ([23:29]):
"There was a kid who made fun of me in sixth grade, and it's burned in there. It stays with you your whole life."

Heather Thompson Day ([40:47]):
"Mrs. Juliet Horton saw my kid and bought her art supplies to support her. That simple act changed London's life, and she dedicated the book to her."

These anecdotes underscore the necessity of vigilance and proactive intervention by adults to protect children from harm and foster environments where empathy and support are paramount.

Conclusion and Future Steps

The episode concludes with a celebration of London's book launch and an affirmation of the ongoing mission to protect and empower children both at home and in educational settings.

Heather Thompson Day ([54:22]):
"We're so proud of it. This is just the beginning because this is such needed content and so fantastic for family."

Jenny echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the book’s role in equipping families with tools to navigate and address bullying, ultimately fostering healthier and more resilient children.

Jenny Yurtz ([54:41]):
"Huge congrats to the both of you. This is just the beginning."

Notable Quotes

• Jenny Yurtz ([00:30]):
  "Childhood is finite at just shy of 9.5 million minutes. We only get one shot at it."

• Heather Thompson Day ([03:12]):
  "God keeps anniversaries with us that we have long since forgot..."

• Jenny Yurtz ([09:52]):
  "Bullying can affect you for your whole life. It can even lead to attempts to end your life."

• Heather Thompson Day ([29:09]):
  "We can control who we offer our hand towards. We need to stop looking in and start reaching out."

• Heather Thompson Day ([54:22]):
  "We're so proud of it. This is just the beginning because this is such needed content and so fantastic for family."

Conclusion

Episode 1KHO 544 of "The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast" delves deep into the pressing issue of bullying, its enduring impact on children, and the vital role of faith and proactive parenting in fostering resilient, empathetic young individuals. Through heartfelt personal stories and the introduction of London's book, Can I Sit Here?, Heather Thompson Day and Jenny Yurtz provide invaluable insights and resources for families navigating the complexities of childhood development in today's world.