This week on MESSmerized, I have the dream team—David Thomas and Sissy Goff. We’re talking all things parenting, and if you’ve ever tried to have a deep conversation with your teenage son and got nothing but a grunt and a request for bacon, this episode is for you.

We tackled the big stuff: anxiety in kids, the social chaos our girls are navigating, and why boys apparently need a full workout and a snack before they can form a complete sentence. We talked about how resilience doesn’t come from bubble-wrapping our kids but from letting them do hard things—and maybe doing a few hard things ourselves (like ignoring the mean mom at soccer).

Sissy reminded us that trust, not courage, is the real anxiety buster. And David explained why experiential learning is key for boys (translation: turn that lecture into a walk with a basketball). 

So if you’re feeling like you’re one carpool drive away from losing it, take a deep breath and join us. You’re not alone, and trust me—this episode will make you laugh!

All Things Cynthia

Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage by Sissy Goff 

Owen Learns He Has What It Takes: by David Thomas 

Register for the Raising Capable Kids Conference with David Thomas and Sissy Goff