ManTalks Podcast Teaching Children to Do Hard Things, with Leland Vittert
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Feb 2, 2026 
Leland Vittert, TV journalist and author of Born Lucky who was diagnosed with autism as a child. He recounts his father’s relentless commitment to teaching resilience. They discuss why removing adversity can harm kids. Conversations cover deliberate social-skill training, discipline as love, protection paired with high standards, and learning to do hard things.
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Father Quit Everything To Help
- At eight Leland was diagnosed with severe learning and sensory issues and a huge IQ split that baffled doctors.
- His father quit work and committed to adapting Leland to the world rather than letting the diagnosis define him.
Self-Esteem Must Be Earned
- Leland's dad believed self-esteem must be earned outside conventional school metrics like grades or popularity.
- He taught that hard work creates results and refused to let diagnosis become an excuse.
Hold Hands Through Adversity
- Do hold your child's hand through adversity instead of removing every hardship for them.
- Teach them the social and practical skills to adapt to the world rather than ask the world to accommodate them.
