1KHO 535: Why We Don’t Need to Tell Kids What to Do All the Time | Michaleen Doucleff, Hunt, Gather, Parent

In this eye-opening episode, Michaeleen Doucleff returns to The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast to dive deep into the art of fostering independence and emotional autonomy in children. She shares transformative insights from her travels around the world, revealing how different cultures empower children by encouraging initiative rather than constantly telling them what to do. Michaeleen explains how small shifts in our parenting approach—like trusting our children to contribute meaningfully to the household—can drastically improve behavior, strengthen family bonds, and promote emotional regulation. Michaeleen discusses the importance of including children in family life and how this inclusion nurtures their sense of responsibility and belonging. From her experiences with the Maya, Inuit, and Hadza, she highlights the universal parenting practices that teach children to observe, respond, and contribute without the pressure of a chore chart or constant direction. This conversation is a must-listen for any parent who wants to build a calmer, more cooperative home while empowering their children to thrive with confidence and initiative. Michaeleen’s Book: Hunt, Gather, ParentDopamine Kids Pre-order: Preorder here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Childhood is finite at just shy of 9.5 million minutes. We only get one shot at it. One of the biggest decisions we make is how we will use that time. Research has confirmed time and time again that what children are naturally and unabashedly drawn to, unrestricted outside play, contributes extensively to every area of childhood development. The importance here cannot be understated. Every year we aim to match nature time with the average amount of American kid screen time (which is currently 1200 hours per year). Have a goal. Track your time outside. Take back childhood. Inspire others.