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.
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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.
1KHO 637: The Gift of Growing Up Slowly | Russell York, COSMO
The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast
53 minutes
1 week ago
1KHO 637: The Gift of Growing Up Slowly | Russell York, COSMO
Childhood isn’t a race, and in this hopeful conversation, Ginny Yurich and Cosmo Technologies founder Russell York remind us why slowing the pace is one of the greatest gifts we can offer our kids. Together they explore how delaying smartphones protects a child’s attention, imagination, and sense of self at a time when technology is accelerating faster than childhood can keep up. Russell shares the research, the stories, and the practical realities behind giving kids connection without overwhelm—and why a simple smartwatch can open the door to real-world confidence, outdoor play, and independent moments that kids absolutely need in order to thrive.
This episode paints a picture of what growing up well can still look like: kids roaming the neighborhood, meeting friends at the park, reading at the library, learning to trust themselves, and coming home filled up instead of drained. Ginny and Russell talk about shifting from fear to trust, restoring a child’s natural rhythm, and giving parents tools that strengthen—not replace—the bond between parent and child. With real clarity and encouragement, they show how small choices can make a big difference, and how giving kids the gift of growing up slowly leads to calmer homes, stronger families, and a childhood full of wonder instead of hurry.
They also discuss the brand new partnership between their organizations and the launch of the Cosmo x 1000 Hours Outside Adventure Bundle, available here!
This is a limited-edition offer designed for families like ours who value connection, freedom, and real-world adventure. With the bundle you'll get:
✅ FREE JrTrack 5 Kids Smartwatch
✅ FREE custom 1000 Hours Outside wrist band
✅ FREE extra teal wrist band
✅ 1000 Hours Outside logo sticker
✅ 3 months of Cosmo Membership FREE
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast
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.
