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
Apr 9, 2026 • 26min
Episode 365: Boys' Challenges to Capability with David and Sissy
They dig into how everyday risks and small struggles build real capability in boys. They explore why modern convenience and rescuing limit emotional regulation and perseverance. Practical examples and a one-week risk audit offer ways to create growth moments. They outline rehearsable regulation tools and warn against numbing strategies that block development.
Apr 7, 2026 • 37min
Episode 364: Helping Girls Feel Ready and Capable in Today’s World with Kari Kampakis
Kari Kampakis, bestselling author and national speaker on parenting girls, shares why daughters need both kindness and resilience. She discusses prepping girls for comparison, friendship meanness, and fear of failure. She highlights teaching discernment, confidence, mission-minded soft skills, and letting kids take risks while staying grounded in faith.
9 snips
Apr 2, 2026 • 23min
Episode 363: Girls' Challenges To Capability with David and Sissy
A conversation about raising capable girls by tackling feelings, failings, and fear. They explore why girls’ confidence dips during puberty and social comparison. Practical strategies for reframing emotions, kinder self-talk, and facing anxiety get highlighted. The tone is encouraging and focused on building steady courage and competence.
Mar 31, 2026 • 35min
Episode 362: The Key Ingredients to Finding Happiness as a Family with Dr. Arthur Brooks
Dr. Arthur Brooks, social scientist and bestselling author who studies happiness and meaning. He discusses happiness as a direction shaped by habits. He explores the role of faith, family, friendships, and purposeful work. He warns about screens and distraction and highlights daily rituals, one-on-one time, and modeling love through actions.
10 snips
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.
19 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.
25 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.
