You Won’t Mess Them Up: Real Encouragement for Homeschool Moms | Ginny Yurich of 1000 Hours Outside (Episode 294)

So many of us worry we’re not doing enough when it comes to homeschooling—but what if simply choosing this path is already a powerful step in the right direction? In this encouraging conversation, I talk with Ginny Yurich of 1000 Hours Outside about her newest book and the deep confidence that can come from stepping outside the system. We explore how real learning often looks like play, boredom, creativity, and curiosity—how our kids naturally fill in the gaps over time, and how the freedom to pursue their own interests can lead to unexpected and incredible outcomes. If you’ve ever doubted your ability to homeschool well, this episode will remind you that you’re doing more right than you think.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Ginny accidentally started a global movement—and why it resonates so deeply with families
• The heart behind her new book Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right Just by Doing It
• What we miss when we follow the standard school model—and the surprising freedom of unlearning it
• The one message every anxious or burnt-out homeschool parent needs to hear
• What if the thing you’re worried is a “deficit” is actually your child’s biggest advantage?
• Why qualities like creativity and empathy will matter more than grades in the world our kids are growing up in
• What boredom, unstructured time, and “doing nothing” are actually teaching your child
• What’s lost when childhood is spent only with same-age peers—and what kids gain from growing up alongside babies and toddlers
• Why your kids need to see you building, learning, trying—and even failing
• Everyone has educational gaps… so what really matters in the long run?
• When you trust the process, learning shows up in the most beautiful and unexpected ways
• The amazing story of how Ginny’s daughter became a certified personal trainer at just 15
• Why homeschooling doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s—and that’s the point

About Ginny

Ginny Yurich is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and the founder and CEO of 1000 Hours Outside; a global movement, media company and lifestyle brand with a mission centered around reclaiming childhood, reconnecting families and helping people live a fuller life.

She is the host and producer of the extremely popular The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, a keynote public speaker, zinnia enthusiast, and published author. Her latest best-selling book, ‘Until The Streetlights Come On’, (Baker Books) was released in November 2023. Her forthcoming book, ‘Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right Just By Doing It’ (Baker Books) releases May 23, 2025.

Holding a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Michigan, Ginny and her husband, Josh have been married for over 21 years and are lifelong Michiganders. They love raising their five children on their little hobby farm in “The Great Lakes State.”

Resources

Until the Streetlights Come On by Ginny Yurich

Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right By Just Doing It by Ginny Yurich

Learning All the Time by John Holt 

UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me-World by Michelle Borba

Generative Artificial Intelligence: What Everyone Needs to Know by Jerry Kaplan 

Listen to my two episodes with Julie Kreke about delight directed learning:

– Give Your Children the Gift of Lifelong Learning (Episode 270)

– Transform Your Homeschool Days with Delight Directed Learning (Episode 184)

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Connect

Ginny Yurich of 1000 Hours Outside | Website | Instagram | Facebook | X | Youtube | Podcast

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