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. read less

Our Editor's Take

The Raising Boys & Girls podcast is a parent's guide to children's emotional and spiritual development. It's the companion to the book Are My Kids on Track? by Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan. Sissy and David are both counseling directors in Tennessee. Their combined experience includes child, adolescent, and family counseling. Sarah Bragg, an author and podcaster joins them as a host.

This podcast shares the emotional and spiritual milestones within a child's development. The Raising Boys & Girls hosts talk through tips and learnings. Their mission is to help parents raise worry-free kids. The hosts follow the saying that “God is the perfect parent, so we don't need to be.” This saying offers the reassurance that it's OK for parents to make mistakes along the way.

Educators, authors, and parents all join the podcast. They tell their stories to the hosts throughout the Raising Boys & Girls podcast. Psychologist Madeline Levine talks about the impact of privilege when raising children. She believes we need to rethink the expectations of children within affluent families. Author Sally Lloyd Jones believes in the need to translate religion for children. She shares her story and what led to her children's book, The Jesus Storybook Bible.

Dr. Chinwé Williams joins the podcast team for an episode all about race. She discusses why discussing this topic with children is essential. Another highlight episode focuses on the subject of sensory processing disorders. The founder and CEO of Pediatric Therapies talks through how they work to bring joy to families living with these disorders.

Through the podcast series, Sissy and David also share learnings from their experiences. They have written books titled Raising Worry-Free Girls and Raising Emotionally Strong Boys. Their experiences in counseling provide helpful insights for modern parents. It's about guiding them to navigate their children's emotions.

The Raising Boys & Girls podcast may be a good listen for parents needing support and guidance. Listeners should feel more resilient and prepared when faced with new development stages.

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Kids & FamilyKids & Family

Episodes

Episode 179: The Legacy of Prayer & Faith on Family with Helen & Luke Smallbone
Yesterday
Episode 179: The Legacy of Prayer & Faith on Family with Helen & Luke Smallbone
Have you gotten your tickets for the Unsung Hero movie yet?! If not, you certainly will after listening in on this rich conversation with Luke Smallbone of for King & Country and his mom, Helen Smallbone. We have never had a mother and son on together and it was every bit as inspiring as you would imagine from these two. Their story will make you laugh and cry, and we would HIGHLY recommend you take your family to watch it in movie form. We’re so grateful for their honesty and wisdom in both spaces and can’t wait for you to listen in on this delightful conversation AND GO SEE UNSUNG HERO as soon as you can! . . . . . For a deeper dive, we've now got the Ages and Stages Discussion Guides up on our website - with Try it Out sections and devotionals for each day of the week. Go to raisingboysandgirls.com/shop and scroll down to the bottom! Raising Boys and Girls Courses - now available! Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Go behind the scenes and watch our podcast on YouTube! Download a copy of the Raising Boys and Girls Feelings Chart. Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com. . . . . . If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form. . . . . . A special thank you to our sponsors: Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal, head on over to hiyahealth.com/RBG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 177: The Importance of Doing Hard Things with Katie Couric
Apr 16 2024
Episode 177: The Importance of Doing Hard Things with Katie Couric
How many of us grew up watching Katie Couric over breakfast before school? We both sure did…and have loved and respected her work ever since. It was an HONOR to have a conversation with her recently about parenting adult children, her books, her work with Stand Up to Cancer, and the fascinating people she has met along the way. What a remarkable career this kind, tenacious, brilliant woman has had. . . . . . For a deeper dive, we've now got the Ages and Stages Discussion Guides up on our website - with Try it Out sections and devotionals for each day of the week. Go to raisingboysandgirls.com/shop and scroll down to the bottom! Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Go behind the scenes and watch our podcast on YouTube! Download a copy of the Raising Boys and Girls Feelings Chart. Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com. . . . . . If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form. . . . . . A special thank you to our sponsors: Our Place: Go to fromourplace.com and enter code RBG at checkout to receive 10% off sitewide. LMNT: Right now LMNT is offering a free sample pack with any purchase. This deal is only available through our link. Go to drinklmnt.com/RBG. KiwiCo: Get 50% off your first month on ANY crate line at kiwico.com with promo code RBG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 174: The Young Adult Years - Stage 5—What They Need
Apr 2 2024
Episode 174: The Young Adult Years - Stage 5—What They Need
We’re back talking about What Kids Need in Stage 5—which are your college and young adult age kids! And this week, we’ve got Melissa with you giving you some words of wisdom and hope. We have loved hearing your feedback on this stage and would be honored for you to share this episode with a friend in this season of life. We are cheering you on AS ALWAYS! The Hunting Ground For a deeper dive, we've now got the Ages and Stages Discussion Guides up on our website - with Try it Out sections and devotionals for each day of the week. Go to raisingboysandgirls.com/shop and scroll down to the bottom! . . . . . David's book Wild Things breaks down each stage of a boys' development and Sissy's book, written with Melissa, Raising Girls discusses the stages of girls. Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Go behind the scenes and watch our podcast on YouTube! Download a copy of the Raising Boys and Girls Feelings Chart. Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com. . . . . . If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form. . . . . . A special thank you to our sponsors: AG1: Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase at drinkAG1.com/RBG. KiwiCo: Get 50% off your first month on ANY crate line at kiwico.com with promo code RBG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 173: The Young Adult Years - Stage 5 - Who They Are
Mar 26 2024
Episode 173: The Young Adult Years - Stage 5 - Who They Are
We are SO excited about this podcast episode and the next few weeks in our Raising Boys and Girls series. We are talking about Stage 5, college-age and young adult children, which we have NEVER talked about on a podcast or in our parenting classes. So, you parents of big kiddos, listen in because we’re so excited to talk about what we can do to love and launch these young adults in our lives. For a deeper dive, we've now got the Ages and Stages Discussion Guides up on our website - with Try it Out sections and devotionals for each day of the week. Go to raisingboysandgirls.com/shop and scroll down to the bottom! . . . . . David's book Wild Things breaks down each stage of a boys' development and Sissy's book, written with Melissa, Raising Girls discusses the stages of girls. Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Go behind the scenes and watch our podcast on YouTube! Download a copy of the Raising Boys and Girls Feelings Chart. Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com. . . . . . If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form. . . . . . A special thank you to our sponsors: LMNT: Right now LMNT is offering a free sample pack with any purchase. Get yours at DrinkLMNT.com/RBG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 171: Parenting Young Adults and the Very Best Thing to Say to a Teenager with Kelly Corrigan
Mar 19 2024
Episode 171: Parenting Young Adults and the Very Best Thing to Say to a Teenager with Kelly Corrigan
This week on the podcast—y’all—we have one of the people who has been at the top of our hopes list for YEARS. Maybe even a decade. If you’re not familiar with Kelly Corrigan’s work, please buy one—or all—of her books right now! Tell Me More, Glitter and Glue, The Middle Place, Lift, and a children’s book called Hello World. Huffington Post called Kelly the “poet laureate of the ordinary”. Not only is she a fabulous writer of four New York Times Bestsellers, but she is the host of a TV show on PBS called Tell Me More and a podcast called Kelly Corrigan Wonders. We cannot WAIT For you to listen in on this podcast as Kelly talks, with her trademark humor, insight and grace, about Parenting Young Adults and the VERY best thing to say to a teenager. . . . . . David's book Wild Things breaks down each stage of a boys' development and Sissy's book, Raising Girls, discusses the stages of girls. Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Go behind the scenes and watch our podcast on YouTube! Download a copy of the Raising Boys and Girls Feelings Chart. Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com. . . . . . If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form. . . . . . A special thank you to our sponsors: The Carlos Whittaker Show: Listen & subscribe to Human Hope! Mosh: Head to moshlife.com/RBG to save 20% off plus FREE shipping on either the Best Sellers Trial Pack or the new Plant Based Trial Pack. Fabric: Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to protect their family. Apply today in just minutes at meet fabric.com/RBG. Hiya Health: Go to hiyahealth.com/RBG and receive 50% off your first order! Reel Paper: Get 30% off your first order plus free shipping by going to reelpaper.com/RBG or use promo code RBG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 170: Parenting Through Infertility, Loss and Adolescence
Mar 12 2024
Episode 170: Parenting Through Infertility, Loss and Adolescence
What a tremendous honor it is to introduce you to two people we love and respect dearly, Kendra and John Allen. Kendra and John are two of the wisest, most thoughtful people and parents we know, who also happen to both be therapists. We’re so grateful to share with you this important conversation about infertility, loss, adolescence, and all of the things in between. . . . . . David's book Wild Things breaks down each stage of a boys' development and Sissy's book, Raising Girls, discusses the stages of girls. Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Go behind the scenes and watch our podcast on YouTube! Download a copy of the Raising Boys and Girls Feelings Chart. Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com. . . . . . If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form. . . . . . A special thank you to our sponsors: LMNT: Right now LMNT is offering a free sample pack with any purchase. The LMNT Sample Pack includes 1 packet of every flavor. Get yours at DrinkLMNT.com/RBG. Trust & Will: Get 10% off plus free shipping of your estate plan documents by visiting trustandwill.com/RBG. Mosh: Head to moshlife.com/RBG to save 20% off plus FREE shipping on either the Best Sellers Trial Pack or the new Plant Based Trial Pack. KiwiCo: Get 50% off your first month on ANY crate line at kiwico.com with promo code RBG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 169: Parenting Through Limitations with Sara Hagerty
Mar 7 2024
Episode 169: Parenting Through Limitations with Sara Hagerty
We have been hearing about our new friend, Sara Hagerty for quite some time from so many friends we love and trust, and we finally got to meet and have a conversation with her just a few weeks ago. Okay…we’re gonna throw out just a few of her book titles for you: Every Bitter Thing is Sweet, Tasting the Goodness of God in All Things; Unseen, The Gift of Being Hidden in a World that Loves to Be Noticed; Adore, A Simple Practice for Experiencing God in the Middle Minutes of Your Day; and her newest, The Gift of Limitations, Finding Beauty in Your Boundaries. Don’t you just want to read them all? Sara is a mom of 7 kids—yes, you read that correctly! She is deeply kind, thoughtful, wise, and peppers her words with so much grace. We can’t wait for you to listen in on this conversation. We are confident you’ll love Sara as much as we do. And we are so grateful for the reminder that our limitations can, in fact, be some of our greatest gifts. . . . . . David's book Wild Things breaks down each stage of a boys' development and Sissy's book, Raising Girls, discusses the stages of girls. Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Go behind the scenes and watch our podcast on YouTube! Download a copy of the Raising Boys and Girls Feelings Chart. Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com. . . . . . If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 168: Understanding the Differences Between Boys and Girls with Dr. Michael Gurian
Mar 5 2024
Episode 168: Understanding the Differences Between Boys and Girls with Dr. Michael Gurian
We are seriously losing our minds over this podcast episode. Dr. Michael Gurian has been one of our go-to sources for boys and girls and development as long as we’ve been in practice. We were thrilled to get to meet him over zoom and he was every bit as wise and thoughtful and wonderful as we imagined. We can’t wait for you to listen in on this episode as he talks about so many helpful things…boys and girls and how they learn differently, how to nurture their nature and even what the Bible and brain research says similarly when it comes to kids. This episode is one you’re going to want to share with the teachers in your life, too, as the Gurian Institute is in the forefront of brain-based, research-driven, strategies-focused training for parents and educators (and basically anyone who cares for kids of any age!) The Wonder of Parenting Podcast: A Brain Science Approach to Parenting . . . . . David's book Wild Things breaks down each stage of a boys' development and Sissy's book, Raising Girls, discusses the stages of girls. Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Go behind the scenes and watch our podcast on YouTube! Download a copy of the Raising Boys and Girls Feelings Chart. Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com. . . . . . If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form. . . . . . A special thank you to our sponsors: Reel Paper: Head to reelpaper.com/RBG and sign up for a subscription using code RBG at checkout and you’ll automatically get 30% off your first order and FREE SHIPPING! Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/RBG. This deal is not available on their regular website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 167: The Teen Years: Stage 4—What They Need
Feb 27 2024
Episode 167: The Teen Years: Stage 4—What They Need
What do you think the teenagers in your life need? We’re talking about that very thing this week…and it just might surprise you! Hint: they do still need YOU, even when they don’t act like it! In case you missed Stage One through Three, the episodes are linked below. Episode 133: Stage One: The Early Years - Who They Are Episode 135: Stage One: The Early Years - What They Need Episode 142: Stage Two: The Elementary Years - Who They Are Episode 144: Stage Two: The Elementary Years - What They Need Episode 156: Stage Three: The Middle Years - Who They Are Episode 158: Stage Three: The Middle Years - What They Need Episode 165: Stage Four: The Teen Years - Who They Are For a deeper dive, we've now got the Ages and Stages Discussion Guides up on our website - with Try it Out sections and devotionals for each day of the week. Go to raisingboysandgirls.com/shop and scroll down to the bottom! . . . . . David's book Wild Things breaks down each stage of a boys' development and Sissy's book, written with Melissa, Raising Girls discusses the stages of girls. Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Go behind the scenes and watch our podcast on YouTube! Download a copy of the Raising Boys and Girls Feelings Chart. Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com. . . . . . If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form. . . . . . A special thank you to our sponsors: Fabric: Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to protect their family. Apply today in just minutes at meetfabric.com/RBG. Policies issued by Western-Southern Life Assurance Company. Not available in certain states. Prices subject to underwriting and health questions. KiwiCo: Get 50% off your first month on ANY crate line at kiwico.com with promo code RBG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 165: The Teen Years: Stage 4 - Who They Are
Feb 20 2024
Episode 165: The Teen Years: Stage 4 - Who They Are
Today we move to STAGE 4, in our ages and stages series! We’re moving out of the harder news in terms of a girl’s development and smack in the middle of the harder news in a boy’s. This week, we’re talking about who they are in these high school years. In case you missed Stage One through Three, the episodes are linked below. Episode 133: Stage One: The Early Years - Who They Are Episode 135: Stage One: The Early Years - What They Need Episode 142: Stage Two: The Elementary Years - Who They Are Episode 144: Stage Two: The Elementary Years - What They Need Episode 156: Stage Three: The Middle Years - Who They Are Episode 158: Stage Three: The Middle Year - What They Need For a deeper dive, we've now got the Ages and Stages Discussion Guides up on our website - with Try it Out sections and devotionals for each day of the week. Go to raisingboysandgirls.com/shop and scroll down to the bottom! . . . . . David's book Wild Things breaks down each stage of a boys' development and Sissy's book, written with Melissa, Raising Girls discusses the stages of girls. Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Go behind the scenes and watch our podcast on YouTube! Download a copy of the Raising Boys and Girls Feelings Chart. Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com. . . . . . If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form. . . . . . A special thank you to our sponsors: Reel Paper: Head to reelpaper.com/RBG and sign up for a subscription using code RBG at checkout and you’ll automatically get 30% off your first order and FREE SHIPPING! Hiya: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/RBG. This deal is not available on their regular website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 164: Parenting Adolescents and Young Adults with Jennie Allen
Feb 13 2024
Episode 164: Parenting Adolescents and Young Adults with Jennie Allen
How many of you have been a part of an IF:Gathering over the years? We have long admired the difference our new friend, Jennie Allen, is making in the world in so many spaces—books, podcasts, events and more--and were thrilled to get to have a conversation with her. We’re talking about Raising Teenagers and Young Adults. And, so if you have one, or are on your way to having one soon or…who are we kidding?! If you’re parenting in any stage, we would HIGHLY recommend you listen in on this rich, honest, inspiring conversation. Untangle Your Emotions . . . . . Discussion Guides to download for each stage of the Raising Boys and Girls series are located on our website here. Order The Worry-Free Parent or The Worry-Free Parent Workbook today! Sign up to receive the RBG monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!  Find us on YouTube! Download a copy of the Raising Boys and Girls Feelings Chart. Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com. . . . . . If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form. . . . . . A special thank you to our sponsor: Trust & Will: Get 10% off plus free shipping of your estate plan documents by visiting trustandwill.com/RBG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 162: What Teenagers Teach Adults
Feb 6 2024
Episode 162: What Teenagers Teach Adults
We recently got to sit down with one of our favorite people, Jamee Thompson. Jamee is a dear friend of all three of ours, a Daystar Counseling board member, and mom to four wonderful kiddos. She is also exceedingly kind and deeply thoughtful—which is likely why she talked so much about the importance of listening to and learning from the kids we love. We can’t wait for you to listen in on our newest Parents in the Trenches conversation where we believe you’ll find the peace and inspiration we sure find from and in our friend Jamee! . . . . . Discussion Guides to download for each stage of the Raising Boys and Girls series are located on our website here. Order The Worry-Free Parent or The Worry-Free Parent Workbook today! Sign up to receive the RBG monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!  Find us on YouTube! Download a copy of the Raising Boys and Girls Feelings Chart. Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com. . . . . . If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form. . . . . . A special thank you to our sponsors: EveryPlate: Get a meal starting at just $1.49 PLUS $1 steaks for life by going to EveryPlate.com/podcast and entering code 49rbg. Subscription must be active to qualify and redeem $1 steak. Fabric: Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to protect their family. Apply today in just minutes at meet fabric.com/RBG. Policies issued by Western-Southern Life Assurance Company. Not available in certain states. Prices subject to underwriting and health questions. HiyaHealth: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/RBG. This deal is not available on their regular website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 161: Finding Contentment as a Family with Niro Feliciano
Jan 30 2024
Episode 161: Finding Contentment as a Family with Niro Feliciano
Last spring when Daystar Counseling stepped in to support our dear Covenant School community, a fellow therapist from Connecticut reached out to see what she could do to support us. Since that time, Niro Feliciano has become a deeply valued friend to us both. We are THRILLED to introduce her to you on the podcast—if you haven’t already discovered her from her fantastic book, This Book Won’t Make You Happy or her many brilliant interviews on the Today Show. We can’t wait for you to listen in on this conversation. We are confident you’ll be as crazy about her as we are! . . . . . Discussion Guides to download for each stage of the Raising Boys and Girls series are located on our website here. Order The Worry-Free Parent or The Worry-Free Parent Workbook today! Sign up to receive the RBG monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!  Find us on YouTube! Download a copy of the Raising Boys and Girls Feelings Chart. Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com. . . . . . If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form. . . . . . A special thank you to our sponsors: Mosh: Head to moshlife.com/RBG to save 20% off plus FREE shipping on either the Best Sellers Trial Pack or the new Plant Based Trial Pack. KiwiCo: Get 50% off your first month on ANY crate line at kiwico.com with promo code RBG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices