1KHO 527: The Age of the Trophy Child | Carl Honore, Under Pressure

Jul 17, 2025

In this engaging discussion, internationally bestselling author Carl Honoré, known for 'In Praise of Slowness,' tackles the modern parenting crisis centered around the 'trophy child.' He highlights how hyper-parenting and constant comparison rob kids of joy and resilience. Honoré argues for the necessity of slowing down, promoting unstructured play, and encouraging individuality over societal pressures. It’s a call to reclaim childhood by embracing natural development and meaningful connections in a fast-paced world.

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INSIGHT

The Trophy Child Frenzy

Modern parenting obsession can drive us to craft "trophy children" with over-scheduled lives.
This frenzy often overlooks children's natural need for slowness and self-guided exploration.

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ADVICE

Step Back, Listen, and Adapt

Step back from parenting pressure and ask what kind of parent you want to be.
Listen to your child to create a childhood that fits their unique needs, not society's one-size-fits-all success.

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ANECDOTE

Childhood Freedom Then vs Now

Carl Honore recalls a childhood where parents expected kids out until mealtime with minimal oversight.
Today, that freedom would be seen as neglect, showing how parenting norms have drastically shifted.

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The Trophy Child Dilemma

01:54 • 12min

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Navigating Parenting Pressures and Embracing Individuality

13:36 • 5min

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The Case for Slow Education

18:12 • 18min

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Embracing Slowness: A Cultural Shift Towards Balance

36:12 • 3min

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Embracing Natural Childhood Development

'Slow Adventures' by Carl Honoré is a children's book that promotes the joys of slow travel and mindful exploration. The book features 40 different journeys around the world, each showcasing a unique mode of transportation such as biking, boating, walking, and train travel. Through engaging stories and vibrant illustrations, readers are invited to experience the beauty and wonder of different cultures and landscapes at a leisurely pace. The book emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature, savoring the journey, and creating meaningful memories with family and friends. 'Slow Adventures' inspires young readers to embrace curiosity, patience, and a sense of adventure in their own lives.

The slow fix

Carl Honore

'The Slow Fix' by Carl Honoré offers a counterintuitive approach to problem-solving in a fast-paced world. The book argues against the allure of quick fixes, which often lead to superficial or temporary solutions. Honoré advocates for a more deliberate and thoughtful process, emphasizing the importance of understanding the root causes of problems before implementing solutions. He explores how this approach can be applied in various contexts, from business and healthcare to education and personal relationships. By encouraging readers to slow down, observe carefully, and consider the long-term consequences of their actions, 'The Slow Fix' provides a framework for creating sustainable and meaningful change.

Bolder

Carl Honore

'Bolder: Making the Most of Our Longer Lives' by Carl Honoré challenges conventional views of aging and presents a positive vision for living a longer, more fulfilling life. The book encourages readers to embrace aging as an opportunity for growth, adventure, and continued learning. Honoré explores various aspects of aging, including health, work, relationships, and personal development, offering practical advice and inspiring stories. He advocates for a proactive approach to aging, emphasizing the importance of staying physically active, mentally engaged, and socially connected. By reframing aging as an adventure, 'Bolder' empowers readers to make the most of their later years and live with purpose and passion.

The Comfort Crisis

Michael Easter

In 'The Comfort Crisis,' Michael Easter explores the idea that modern society's emphasis on comfort and convenience has led to various physical and mental health issues. Easter's journey takes him to diverse locations, including the Alaskan backcountry, Bhutan, and the labs of neuroscientists, to uncover the benefits of living at the edges of one's comfort zone. He discusses the concept of 'misogi,' a Japanese practice involving challenges that push individuals to their limits, and how such experiences can enhance creativity, reduce burnout and anxiety, and increase overall well-being. The book is a call to action, encouraging readers to break out of their comfort zones and reconnect with the natural world and their own potential.

In Praise of Slow

Carl Honoré

In this book, Carl Honoré examines the global trend towards slowing down and chronicles the emergence of the Slow Movement. He argues that our obsession with speed has led to a decline in quality, well-being, and fulfillment. Honoré takes readers on a journey through various aspects of the Slow Movement, from slow food and slow work to slow parenting and slow exercise, highlighting the benefits of doing things at the right speed rather than rushing through life. The book is both a personal account of Honoré's own journey to slow down and a well-researched investigation into the cultural and societal implications of slowing down.

Under Pressure

Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls

Lisa Damour

In 'Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls', Dr. Lisa Damour challenges readers to reframe their understanding of stress and anxiety. She argues that stress can be a healthy stimulus for personal growth and that anxiety can play a key role in keeping girls safe. The book explores various facets of girls’ lives, including home life, school pressures, social interactions, and online activities, to identify sources of toxic stress and anxiety. Damour provides actionable steps for parents, educators, and mentors to help girls manage these pressures and maintain emotional well-being.

Are we raising children—or building résumés? In this powerful episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, host Ginny Yurich sits down with internationally bestselling author Carl Honoré (In Praise of Slowness, Under Pressure) to explore the dark undercurrent of modern parenting: the obsession with performance. From Baby Einstein to Mandarin in the Moses basket, today’s childhood has become a race—and our kids are burning out before they even begin.

Honoré calls out the rise of the “trophy child” and reveals how hyper-parenting, micromanagement, and constant comparison are robbing kids of joy, resilience, and identity. Together, Carl and Ginny unpack why slowing down isn’t lazy—it’s revolutionary. If you’ve ever questioned the pressure to do more, be more, and push harder, this episode is your permission slip to opt out. Childhood doesn’t need to be upgraded. It needs to be reclaimed.

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🔗 Carl Honoré’s Website

📍 All books, TED Talks, digital courses, articles, and media appearances: 👉 https://www.carlhonore.com

📚 Books by Carl Honoré

Under Pressure: Rescuing Our Children from the Culture of Hyper-Parenting

In Praise of Slowness: Challenging the Cult of Speed

Bolder: Making the Most of Our Longer Lives

The Slow Fix: Solve Problems, Work Smarter and Live Better in a Fast World

Slow Adventures (Children’s Book – U.S. Title)

🎥 TED Talks by Carl Honoré

In Praise of Slowness (TEDGlobal)
🎥 Watch: https://www.ted.com/talks/carl_honore_in_praise_of_slowness

Why We Should Embrace Aging as an Adventure
🎥 Watch: https://www.ted.com/talks/carl_honore_why_we_should_embrace_aging_as_an_adventure

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