1KHO 457: Kids are Play-Deprived and Paying the Price | Angela Hanscom, TimberNook

Angela Hanscom, pediatric occupational therapist and founder of TimberNook, returns for her fourth appearance on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast—and this conversation is one of her most powerful yet. Angela and Ginny Yurich dig into the growing epidemic of play deprivation and how it’s silently impacting children’s physical, social, and neurological development. With insights from Angela’s groundbreaking work around the world, they explore how nature offers the richest sensory experiences, why kids need to get messy, and how the freedom to take risks outdoors transforms confidence and builds real-life resilience.

Together, they also unpack why adults must step back to allow authentic, independent play to flourish. From muddy puddles to barefoot balance, to crawling babies and screen-addicted teens, this episode paints a compelling picture of the simple—but urgent—need for outdoor childhood. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone who just wants better for the next generation, this episode offers both practical wisdom and a much-needed rallying cry.

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