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#281: Interview with Richard Freed - Part Three

#281: Interview with Richard Freed - Part Three

Author: Kim John Payne/Center for Social Sustainability September 24, 2025 Duration: 22:19
The Simplicity Parenting Podcast with Kim John Payne
EducationSelf Improvement

In the final part of their conversation, Kim and Dr. Freed shift from exposing the harms of persuasive technology to offering practical solutions. Kim introduces the idea of “four connections” as a foundation for a healthy childhood: connection to nature, to friends through real play, to family, and to one’s inner self. Dr. Freed emphasizes the importance of building community among parents and resisting screen culture together. They highlight resources like Kids, Brains, and Screens by Melanie Hempe and Reset Your Child’s Brain by Dr. Victoria Dunckley, as tools to help families go low or no screen. The episode includes inspiring examples of families replacing screen time with rituals like Friday family nights and creative play. Dr. Freed shares personal stories about parenting without screens and the long-term benefits he has seen in his daughters. The conversation ends with hope and encouragement: that raising children in a humanized, connected environment not only helps them thrive but also fosters qualities that others naturally seek out—empathy, presence, and resilience.

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Kim John Payne, author of the bestselling book "Simplicity Parenting," brings his decades of experience as a family counselor and educator directly to you in The Simplicity Parenting Podcast with Kim John Payne. Each episode feels like a thoughtful conversation, moving beyond quick tips to explore the deeper rhythms of family life. You’ll hear practical wisdom on reducing the clutter-not just of toys, but of schedules, expectations, and digital noise-that so often overwhelms modern childhood. This podcast delves into how creating a calmer, more predictable home environment can strengthen your child's resilience, focus, and sense of security. Payne addresses real questions from parents, offering grounded strategies for everything from sibling rivalry and screen time to fostering authentic play and emotional well-being. The discussions are rooted in the understanding that simplifying isn't about deprivation, but about making space for connection and growth. Tune in for a supportive, nuanced exploration of parenting that honors the unique spirit of your family. Each weekly episode serves as a gentle reminder that the most meaningful moments often arise from a less hurried, more intentional approach to life together.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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The Simplicity Parenting Podcast with Kim John Payne
Podcast Episodes
#329: Tone and Timing Coaching: The 1, 2, 3 Approach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:42
In this episode, Kim John Payne introduces “tone and timing coaching," a simple way to help children (and ourselves) get the tone right when what's said comes out rude, fresh, aggressive, or grumpy. He explains that the…
#325: Children & Mortality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:20
In this episode, Kim John Payne addresses one of the more difficult themes parents face: a child's growing awareness of life and death. He explains that very young children experience only a little separation between the…
#324: The Three Steps To Small, Imaginative & Light Transitions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:22
Correction: the Care Professionals Seminar dates in this episode are Saturday and Sunday, August 1st and 2nd, 2026 (not July). Registration closes July 31st: Click here to register In this episode, Kim John Payne returns…
#320: The Space Between Us Is Alive... Trust It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:24
In this episode, Kim John Payne reflects on something elusive but essential: the space between parent and child. He describes this space as being alive, not a void to be filled with words or busyness, but a conduit throu…
#316: Easing Tension Around Homework & Music Practice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:54
In this episode, Kim John Payne addresses the daily challenge of getting children to do difficult but regular tasks like music practice and homework. He introduces the "grit sandwich" principle: soft on both ends with fi…
#312: Balancing a Child's Needs and the Family's Needs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:26
In this episode, Kim John Payne addresses a common point of derailment in family life: when a child's impulses and desires collide with the needs of the larger family. He explains that children, especially young ones, la…
#311: Am I a Governer or an Adviser [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:13
In this episode, Kim John Payne offers a quick overview of the Soul of Discipline framework and then focuses on a common confusion in the early years: the difference between being a governor and being an advisor. He expl…
#303: Going on a News Cleanse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:34
In this episode, Kim John Payne addresses how constant news exposure erodes our ability to be present with our children. He explains that modern news cycles, with autoplay, doom scrolling, and half-hourly updates, repeat…
#299: If Rhythms Need To Change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:17
In this episode, Kim John Payne explores how families can navigate changes in rhythms while still preserving the security that predictability provides. He explains that when a regular caregiver is unavailable for bath ti…

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