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Why does modern parenting feel so overwhelming, exhausting, and lonely, even when we are doing everything “right”? In this episode, Corey and Christine dive deep into what has quietly changed about childhood, parenting, and family life over the last decade. From screen saturation to over-scheduling, they explore why so many kids are struggling today and how a simple return to nature, play, and trust can radically shift family dynamics. This conversation is a hopeful reminder that small, intentional changes can lead to calmer homes, more resilient kids, and a more enjoyable motherhood.

📚 Books Mentioned!

📍 1000 Hours Outside: Activities to Match Screen Time with Green Time - https://www.amazon.com/1000-Hours-Outside-Activities-Screen/dp/0744063620

📍 Until the Streetlights Come On: How a Return to Play Brightens Our Present and Prepares Kids for an Uncertain Future - https://www.amazon.com/Until-Streetlights-Come-Brightens-Uncertain/dp/1540903400

📍 Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right Just by Doing It - https://www.amazon.com/Homeschooling-Youre-Doing-Right-Just/dp/1540903419

📍 How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature - https://www.amazon.com/How-Raise-Wild-Child-Science/dp/0544705297

📍 Balanced and Barefoot - https://www.amazon.com/Balanced-Barefoot-How-Unrestricted-Outdoor/dp/1626253730

📍 Free to Learn - https://www.amazon.com/Free-Learn-Unleashing-Instinct-Self-Reliant/dp/0465084990/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

📍 Free to Fly: The Secret to Fostering Independence in the Next Generation - https://www.amazon.com/Free-Fly-Fostering-Independence-Generation/dp/1637633777/

📍 The Self-Driven Child - https://www.amazon.com/Self-Driven-Child-Science-Giving-Control/dp/0735222525/

📍 What Time Is Noon? - https://www.amazon.com/What-Time-Noon-Ridiculous-Not-So-Subtle/dp/1682689247/

📍 Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling - https://www.amazon.com/Dumbing-Us-Down-Curriculum-Compulsory/dp/0865714487

📍 Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling - https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Own-John-Homeschooling/dp/B0080R3NWW

📍 Ready or Not: Preparing Our Kids to Thrive in an Uncertain and Rapidly Changing World - https://www.amazon.com/Ready-Not-Preparing-Uncertain-Changing/dp/006265778X

📍 Free-Range Kids: How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts with Worry) - https://www.amazon.com/Free-Range-Raise-Self-Reliant-Children-Without/dp/0470574755

📍 Glow Kids: How Screen Addiction Is Hijacking Our Kids (and How to Break the Trance) - https://www.amazon.com/Glow-Kids-Screen-Addiction-Hijacking/dp/1250097991

📍 The Comfort Crisis - https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Crisis-Embrace-Discomfort-Reclaim/dp/0593138767

📍 There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather - https://www.amazon.com/Theres-Such-Thing-Bad-Weather/dp/B087NJ5MFK/

📍 Outdoor Kids in an Inside World - https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Kids-Inside-World-Radically/dp/B09P8YJMGJ

📍 There are many more we couldn't fit in the description!

✨ Topics Covered in This Episode:

✔️ Why parenting feels harder now than it did a generation ago

✔️ How lack of outdoor play impacts mental, emotional, and physical development

✔️ The science behind nature, movement, and resilient brains

✔️ Why kids need boredom, risk, and free play to thrive

✔️ The long-term effects of screens on childhood and family life

✔️ How time outside supports nervous system regulation for kids and parents

✔️ Trusting your children and fostering independence in a fearful culture

✔️ Simple ways to reclaim calmer days without adding more to your plate

🧠 More About This Episode:

This episode weaves together personal stories, developmental science, and cultural insight to help parents better understand what kids actually need in a rapidly changing world. Corey and Christine reflect on how parenting norms shifted after the rise of smartphones and constant connectivity, and why many traditional approaches no longer serve families well. With a strong emphasis on outdoor time, free play, and relational connection, this conversation offers practical encouragement for parents who want to raise capable, grounded kids without burnout.

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💬 Comment below: What feels hardest about parenting in today’s world?

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