This conversation with William Deresiewicz, author of the bestselling Excellent Sheep, gets to the heart of a question so many families are quietly carrying: what does it actually mean for a child to flourish? Ginny and Bill talk about the way college admissions can cast a shadow backward over all of childhood, turning kids into performers instead of people, and why playtime, downtime, family time, books, boredom, risk, and real freedom are not extras but essentials. It’s a deeply thoughtful episode about stepping off the treadmill, resisting fear-based parenting, and giving children the space to become fully themselves. Get your copy of Excellent Sheep here Learn more about Bill and all he has to offer here A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below:  BetterHelp: Visit  ⁠www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS⁠  today to get 10% off your first month. Quince - Visit ⁠www.quince.com/outside⁠ and get free shipping and 365 day returns Woom Bikes - Go to⁠ woom.com⁠ and use code OUTSIDE10 at checkout for 10% off your bike purchase KiwiCo- Get up to 50% off your first monthly crate at ⁠www.kiwico.com ⁠ and use code 1000hours. Pocket Hose - text OUTSIDE to 64000 to.get a FREE, 360 degree rotating pocket pivot, AND a FREE thumb drive nozzle with purchase. IXL Learning - Head to ⁠www.ixl.com/1000hours⁠ to get an exclusive 20% savings on your membership Wayfair - Go to ⁠www.wayfair.com⁠ and shop all things home Cure Hydration- head to ⁠www.curehydration.com/outside⁠ to find a retailer near you Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices