Raising Boys & Girls
Kids & Family
About
Welcome to the Raising Boys and Girls Podcast with Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan. In each episode of this podcast, we’ll share some of what we’re learning in the work we do with kids and families on a daily basis at Daystar Counseling Ministries. Our goal is to help you care for the kids in your life with a little more understanding, a little more practical help, and a whole lot of hope. So pull up a chair and join us on this journey of raising boys and girls. Connect with us at raisingboysandgirls.com.
Episodes
- Episode 373: Capable the High School Years with David and Sissy
David and Sissy discuss the 'capability gap' in high schoolers, addressing how pressure, perfectionism, and digital habits affect teen development. They explore strategies for parents to build resilience and responsibility through real-lif…
- Episode 372: When to Push and When to Pull Back in the Middle School Years with Dr. Lisa Damour
Dr. Lisa Damour discusses how parents can support middle schoolers by balancing guidance with allowing them to navigate discomfort independently. The episode explores the importance of resilience and maintaining a connection while children…
- Episode 371: Capable the Middle School Years with David and Sissy
David and Sissy discuss how parents can help children navigate the challenges of middle school, such as social disconnection and screen use, by focusing on resilience, responsibility, and real-life interactions. They emphasize that this pe…
- Episode 370: From Trauma to Regulation to Resilience with Neurobiologist Dr. Bruce Perry
Neurobiologist Dr. Bruce Perry discusses stress, trauma, and resilience on Raising Boys & Girls. He explains the importance of understanding a child's story and how regulated relationships combined with rhythm and movement can foster heali…
- Episode 369: Capable the Elementary Years with David and Sissy
This episode of Raising Boys & Girls features David and Sissy discussing how parents can foster capability and resilience in children during their elementary school years. They explore how allowing children to face manageable challenges an…
- Episode 368: Building Independence and Resilience in Toddlers with Zee Pendleton and Angela Rice
Zee Pendleton and Angela Rice discuss strategies for helping toddlers develop independence and resilience. They examine the impact of screen time and emotions on children and provide advice on setting boundaries and allowing children to le…
- Episode 367: Capable the Toddler Years with David and Sissy
David and Sissy discuss how to support a toddler's drive for autonomy and healthy development. They explore how allowing children to struggle with tasks and providing appropriate boundaries helps build confidence, resilience, and independe…
- Episode 366: Helping Boys Become Capable Men with Sherman Bucher
Sherman Bucher joins the show to discuss how parents can help boys build confidence and resilience. The conversation covers the impact of online influences and provides strategies for encouraging real-world connections, emotional awareness…
- Episode 365: Boys' Challenges to Capability with David and Sissy
David Thomas and Sissy Goff discuss how parents can help boys develop capability by allowing them to experience risk, practice emotional regulation, and persevere through challenges. They encourage parents to avoid over-rescuing their sons…
- Episode 364: Helping Girls Feel Ready and Capable in Today’s World with Kari Kampakis
Kari Kampakis joins the podcast to discuss fostering grace, grit, and resilience in young girls. The conversation focuses on helping parents build their daughters' confidence and identity while navigating modern challenges like comparison…
- Episode 363: Girls' Challenges To Capability with David and Sissy
In this episode of Raising Boys & Girls, David and Sissy Goff discuss how to support girls in overcoming challenges related to feelings, failure, and fear. They offer strategies for parents to help girls navigate their emotions and develop…
- Episode 362: The Key Ingredients to Finding Happiness as a Family with Dr. Arthur Brooks
Dr. Arthur Brooks discusses the definition of happiness as a habit involving enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning. He explores the roles of faith, family, and work, while offering advice to parents on modeling purposeful living for their c…
- Episode 361: The 5 Principles of Parenting with Dr. Aliza Pressman
Dr. Aliza Pressman discusses five research-based principles of parenting—relationship, reflection, regulation, rules, and repair—to help parents raise resilient children. The conversation emphasizes the importance of connection and healthy…
- Episode 360: The Crisis of Capability in Parents with David and Sissy
David Thomas and Sissy Goff discuss the shift in modern parenting toward anxiety and over-helping. They emphasize building resilience in children by balancing empathy with boundaries and allowing them space to grow.
- Episode 359: A Roadmap to Technology (and Fun) for Families with Catherine Price
Catherine Price discusses the impact of technology on children's development and provides practical advice for fostering healthier family habits. The episode highlights strategies for balancing screen time with real-world experiences, incl…
- Episode 358: The Crisis of Capability in Kids
Sissy Goff and David Thomas discuss the crisis of capability in children today, exploring factors like technology, lack of play, and avoidance of discomfort. They provide strategies for parents to build resilience by encouraging healthy st…
- Episode 357: Increasing Kids Capacity and Capability with Jay and Katherine Wolf
Sissy Goff and David Thomas interview Jay and Katherine Wolf about resilience, suffering, and raising capable children. The Wolfs discuss how their experience with disability and faith informs their approach to parenting and overcoming har…
- Episode 356: Raising Capable Kids with David and Sissy
Sissy Goff and David Thomas discuss their book Capable and address current mental health challenges in children like anxiety and lack of confidence. They explain how parents can build resilience in their kids by allowing them to navigate c…
- Capable Kids Series Coming Soon!
Sissy Goff and David Thomas introduce their new Capable series, which addresses the challenges children face regarding capability and growth. The series explores how parents can foster resilience, confidence, and emotional strength in thei…
- Episode 355: How to Help Kids Understand, Love and Engage with God’s Word with Tara-Leigh Cobble
Tara-Leigh Cobble joins the Raising Boys & Girls podcast to discuss moving from Bible exposure to engagement. She shares practical strategies for parents to help children love and understand Scripture by focusing on God's character.
- Episode 354: Helping Kids (And Grown-Ups) Grow in Friendship with Jesus with Sally Lloyd-Jones
Sissy and David host children's author Sally Lloyd-Jones to discuss her new book, Jesus, Our True Friend. They explore how personal experiences shaped her message about friendship with Jesus and discuss themes of grace, perfectionism, and…
- Episode 353: Helping Your Kids Move From Feeling to Fact with Dr. Lee Warren
Neurosurgeon Dr. Lee Warren joins the show to discuss trauma, faith, and the science of hope. He explores how neuroplasticity and changing thought patterns can help parents assist their children in building resilience and agency.
- Episode 352: Five Things Kids Need Now Spiritually with Melissa Trevathan
Melissa Trevathan joins hosts Sissy and David to discuss the spiritual needs of children in today's environment. The conversation explores how parents can foster spiritual growth through authentic relationships, open dialogue, and grace ra…
- Episode 351: AI and the Tech Wise Family with Andy Crouch
Sissy and David host Andy Crouch to discuss how families can remain tech-wise in a digital world. They explore the impact of screens and AI on adolescent relationships and offer practical advice on establishing intentional boundaries aroun…
- Episode 350: Porn Proofing Your Kids in a Technology and AI Driven World with Kristen Jenson
Kristen Jenson discusses how parents can protect children from pornography in an AI and technology-driven landscape. She provides strategies for early communication and guidance on how to respond if a child is exposed to inappropriate cont…
- Episode 349: Talking with Kids about Faith, Sexuality and Gender with Dr. Preston Sprinkle
Sissy Goff and David Thomas discuss how parents and the church can address topics of faith, sexuality, and gender with Dr. Preston Sprinkle. Dr. Sprinkle highlights the importance of fostering strong, Jesus-centered relationships and maint…
- Episode 348: Protecting Kids Online, In the Real World and All the Awkward Conversations with Mary Flo Ridley and Megan Michelson from Birds and Bees
Megan Michelson and Mary Flo Ridley of Birds & Bees join hosts Sissy and David to discuss navigating online safety and sensitive conversations with children. They emphasize building resilience and safety through parental connection and ong…
- Episode 347: Helping Kids Have Conviction and Compassion In These Tumultuous Times with Justin Giboney
Justin Giboney joins Sissy Goff and David Thomas to discuss raising kids with both conviction and compassion in a polarized world. The conversation explores how faith, history, and parenting can help form grounded children with identities…
- Episode 346: Five Things Kids Need Now Culturally with David and Sissy
David and Sissy discuss five cultural needs for children: open conversation, real-world protection, online safety, critical thinking skills, and a spiritual foundation. They emphasize the importance of intentional parenting in shaping a ch…
- Episode 345: Parenting Without a Roadmap: Not Carrying Your Childhood Trauma into Theirs with Dr. Juli Fraga
Dr. Juli Fraga discusses the importance of parents managing their own emotions and addressing past trauma to raise emotionally healthy children. She introduces tools like the Change Triangle to help parents navigate their reactions and pri…
- Episode 344: How To Raise Emotionally Intelligent Kids with Dr. Marc Brackett
Dr. Marc Brackett joins Sissy Goff and David Thomas to discuss raising emotionally intelligent children. They explore the RULER framework and practical strategies for parents to help their children understand, express, and regulate emotion…
- Episode 343: Transforming Toddlerhood with Devon Kuntzman
Devon Kuntzman joins Sissy Goff and David Thomas on Raising Boys & Girls to discuss managing toddler behavior. They explore how to interpret toddler actions as communication and share strategies for co-regulation, boundary-setting, and bui…
- Episode 342: Five Things Kids Need Right Now Emotionally
This episode outlines five emotional needs for children: healthy boredom, agency, experiencing discomfort, fortitude, and parental trust in their own instincts. These practices aim to help children develop resilience through steady support.
- Episode 341: Why Your Kids Need You To Play at Every Age and How To Do That with Whitney and Alex Kimerling
Sissy Goff and David Thomas discuss the importance of play for reducing child anxiety and building family connection. The episode features practical tips for integrating play into daily life and an interview with Whitney and Alex Kimerling…
- Episode 340: A Story of Autism and Hope with Leland Vittert
Journalist Leland Vittert joins hosts Sissy Goff and David Thomas to discuss his memoir, Born Lucky. They explore his experiences growing up with autism, the influence of his father, and the importance of resilience and parental support in…
- Episode 339: Five Things Kids Need Right Now Socially with David and Sissy
In this episode of Raising Boys & Girls, hosts Sissy Goff and David Thomas discuss five social needs of children today, including civility, empathy, and belonging. They explore how factors like screen time influence these skills and offer…
- Episode 338: 5 Love Languages for Families with Dr. Gary Chapman
Dr. Gary Chapman joins hosts Sissy Goff and David Thomas to discuss applying the Five Love Languages within families. They explore how to identify a child's love language, the importance of filling a child's love tank, and practical ways t…
- Episode 337: Helpful Habits for the New Year with Justin Whitmel Earley
Sissy Goff and David Thomas are joined by Justin Whitmel Earley to discuss how physical habits like sleep, movement, and technology use influence spiritual health and parenting. They explore how small, embodied practices can help parents m…
- Episode 336: Managing the Holidays with David and Sissy
In this episode of Raising Boys & Girls, David and Sissy offer 10 practical tips for reducing holiday overwhelm and fostering connection. They discuss managing big feelings, gift overload, and family dynamics, while providing resources for…
- Episode 335: The Enneagram Comes Home with David and Sissy
David and Sissy reflect on their Enneagram parenting journey, offering a recap of the core strengths for each Enneagram number. They discuss how to support children of every type and provide a list of recommended resources for further lear…
- Episode 334: Moving from Knowledge to Relationship with Kids / Enneagrams Wrap Up with Jill Phillips and Hunter Mobley
Sissy and David discuss using the Enneagram in parenting with teachers Jill Phillips and Hunter Mobley. The conversation explores how understanding core motivations can foster grace, humility, and deeper connection between parents and chil…
- Episode 333: Finding Your Peace as a Parent (and Finding Your No, too) with Enneagram 9’s, Hillary Rector & Andy Gullahorn
Hillary Rector and Andy Gullahorn discuss parenting as Enneagram Nines, exploring the benefits of a calm presence versus challenges like setting boundaries. They share insights on fostering grounded households and supporting Nine children…
- Episode 332: Understanding the Peacemaker and Enneagram 9's with David and Sissy
David and Sissy explore the personality profile of Enneagram Nines, highlighting their empathetic nature as well as common parenting challenges like conflict avoidance. They provide practical tips for Nine parents and children to maintain…
- Episode 331: When to Speak, When to Listen with Enneagram 8’s, Amy Fenton & Brian Camp
Sissy and David are joined by Amy Fenton and Brian Camp to discuss parenting as Enneagram 8s. They share their experiences with the traits of Enneagram 8s and provide practical tools for managing intensity and choosing presence with their…
- Episode 330: Understanding the Challenger and Enneagram 8's with David and Sissy
David and Sissy discuss the characteristics of Enneagram 8s, including their strengths and common challenges. They provide practical advice for parents and caregivers on supporting Enneagram 8 children and helping them develop into balance…
- Episode 329: Managing the Holidays with Niro Feliciano
Niro Feliciano joins Sissy and David to discuss strategies for finding calm and contentment during the holiday season. They cover topics including setting boundaries, navigating grief, and balancing faith with psychology based on her book,…
- Episode 328: The Power of Pause in Parenting with Enneagram 7s, Mary Killett & Aaron Weber
Sissy Goff and David Thomas discuss the Enneagram Type 7 personality with Mary Killett and Aaron Weber. They explore the impact of Type 7 traits on parenting, the benefits of pausing, and strategies for navigating difficult emotions as a p…
- Episode 327: Helping Kids Find Fun & Feelings with Enneagram 7’s with David and Sissy
David and Sissy explore the personality characteristics of Enneagram Sevens, discussing their strengths such as creativity and energy, as well as their common struggles. They offer practical advice for parents on how to support Seven child…
- Episode 326: Anxiety, Trust, and Parenting with Courage / Enneagram 6's with Melissa Trevathan and Allye Gray
Sissy Goff and David Thomas discuss the Enneagram Six personality type with Melissa Trevathan and Allye Gray. They explore how phobic and counterphobic Sixes manage anxiety, fear, and trust in the context of parenting and leadership.
- Episode 325: Understanding the Loyalist and Enneagram 6's with David and Sissy
David Thomas and Sissy Goff discuss the strengths and challenges of Enneagram Sixes, emphasizing their loyalty and courage while addressing tendencies like worst-case thinking. They also provide practical advice for how parents can support…