Raising Boys & Girls
That Sounds Fun Network
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
Mentioned books
Mar 26, 2026 • 38min
Episode 361: The 5 Principles of Parenting with Dr. Aliza Pressman
Dr. Aliza Pressman, a developmental psychologist and author who writes about parenting and child development, outlines five research-based principles for raising resilient kids. She discusses relationship as a resilience buffer. She explains reflection, self-regulation, clear rules, and the power of repair. Short, practical segments cover boundaries, when to step in, and buildable resilience skills.
10 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 24min
Episode 360: The Crisis of Capability in Parents with David and Sissy
They explore how anxiety and over-helping have weakened real capability in parents and kids. They trace parenting shifts from expert-driven fixes to relief-seeking rescues. They warn that empathy without boundaries backfires and too much child control fuels worry. They highlight boredom, endurance, and small practical shifts that build resilience and sturdiness.
24 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 55min
Episode 359: A Roadmap to Technology (and Fun) for Families with Catherine Price
Catherine Price, award-winning health and science journalist and bestselling author focused on screen life balance, shares a hopeful roadmap for families navigating tech. She discusses delaying smartphones, phone-free rhythms, and modeling healthy habits. She highlights awe, curiosity, play, and real-world independence as keys to fuller childhoods.
16 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 25min
Episode 358: The Crisis of Capability in Kids
A conversation about a rising lack of capability in kids and the cultural shifts behind it. They explore how smartphones and lost playtime have replaced real-world practice. They discuss how inflated language around mental health and frequent rescue fuel avoidance. Practical ideas are offered for letting children face small risks and build resilience with steady adult support.
9 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 1h 1min
Episode 357: Increasing Kids Capacity and Capability with Jay and Katherine Wolf
Catherine Wolf, stroke survivor, author, and co-founder of Hope Heals, and Jay Wolf, co-founder who leads ministries for families and people with disabilities, share their story. They discuss resilience after catastrophic illness, how suffering can expand compassion, teaching kids responsibility and capability, routines that build confidence, and practical ways to invite children into meaningful participation.
9 snips
Mar 10, 2026 • 20min
Episode 356: Raising Capable Kids with David and Sissy
Conversation about helping kids become emotionally and practically capable through practiced coping, real-life competence, and learning from challenges. They explore rising anxiety, avoidance, and why constant rescue undermines growth. Practical moves include steady boundaries, asking thoughtful questions, and one caring adult making a big difference.
Mar 9, 2026 • 2min
Capable Kids Series Coming Soon!
They introduce a new series tackling a rising “crisis of capability” as kids avoid milestones and risks. They highlight growing anxiety, reasons parents pull back, and common avoided steps like driving. The series will focus on building resilience through boredom, agency, discomfort, and practiced habits to raise more confident, try-and-recover kids.
6 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 29min
Episode 355: How to Help Kids Understand, Love and Engage with God’s Word with Tara-Leigh Cobble
Tara-Leigh Cobble, Christian author and founder of D-Group who created The Bible Recap and its kids version, shares how moving from Bible exposure to real engagement changed her faith. She talks about modeling a love for Scripture, inviting kids into conversations about who God is, and simple practices like the daily “God shot” to spark family discussion.
Mar 3, 2026 • 39min
Episode 354: Helping Kids (And Grown-Ups) Grow in Friendship with Jesus with Sally Lloyd-Jones
Sally Lloyd-Jones, beloved children’s author of The Jesus Storybook Bible, shares how her childhood faith inspired Jesus, Our True Friend. She talks about choosing gospel stories, using design to let the gospel shine, and tackling perfectionism through the Mary and Martha story. Conversations emphasize grace, hope, laughter, and comforting children (and adults) with the truth that Jesus is always near.
Feb 26, 2026 • 34min
Episode 353: Helping Your Kids Move From Feeling to Fact with Dr. Lee Warren
Dr. Lee Warren, a neurosurgeon, Iraq War veteran, and author, blends neuroscience, faith, and hard-earned resilience in this conversation. He explores neuroplasticity, how thoughts reshape the brain, teaching kids to separate feelings from facts, a three-second pause and thought biopsy, and how manageable hardship builds real capability and hope.
