RadReads​ - How to raise emotionally resilient kids

Everyone knows how to parent. Right?

True. But when was the last time you questioned the underlying assumptions?

Some parents take an “unconventional” approach.

One that doesn’t helicopter, recognizes that the parents themselves are flawed and focuses on raising emotionally resilient kids.

This week on The Examined Life Podcast, we’re joined by entrepreneurs, coaches and deeply intentional parents Ted and Franziska Gonder.

We ask the question:

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My top 3 takeaways

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​Be the parent with the slowest heartbeat

When our kids encounter a hard time, it’s easy to react, get upset, frustrated or angry. It’s harder, but much more effective, to slow down, be present and help process the feels.

→ Watch the clip
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We can break intergenerational trauma

We consume information from a fire hose, often to our detriment. But it also gives us access to books, parent circles and online friends that help us be better parents. Something generations before didn’t have access to.

→ Watch the clip​
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We don’t own our children

Our kids feel sad. They get angry. They feel frustration, guilt and shame. It’s natural to want to mitigate their pain. But letting them feel the pain, and helping them process it, bolsters their emotional strength.

→ Watch the clip​

From our sponsors:

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My favorite quote: Surrender to the experience

Why this episode matters to me

One skill I’ve learned over the years is shutting off my emotions.

It served me well as an insecure child and then in the rough-and-tumble of Wall Street.

But at 44 years old, I’m unlearning this emotional disassociation.

And parenting’s played a huge role in this change — Lisa and I both want to raise kids that can experience the full range of emotions.

So that they can be emotionally resilient.

For many folks, this is an unconventional approach to parenting.

And there are many more — relating to resolving conflict, achievement, privacy, social justice and education.

Because ultimately, we all want to raise kind, curious and resourceful children

If you want to dig deeper

You can read Ted’s entire tweet about being deeply attuned to his kid’s emotions amidst a rough patch. Here’s my internal struggle on raising kids amidst achievement culture and reflections from 10 years of fatherhood.

And escaping the golden handcuffs is an unconventional move, but did it make me a better dad?

Love letters from our fans

"Overheard a dude talking about an article he read in the WSJ last week about getting off the fast track"

Hope you enjoy the episode,

Khe

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