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 215: Milestone Three - Empathy
5d ago
Episode 215: Milestone Three - Empathy
We’re so grateful to be talking about empathy on the podcast this week. We believe the muscle of empathy is one that kids are struggling to develop more than ever before. In this episode, we talk about why and, even more importantly, what we can do about it. Empathy truly is a pre-requisite for healthy relationships. So, let’s all work together to help the kids we love grow in their awareness, love, and empathy for those around them, including and maybe even especially those that live under the same roof! . . . . . Romans 12:15-16 Grab a copy of Are My Kids on Track? to follow along with us through the season! . . . . . 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: Wayfair is your one-stop-holiday shop for everything on your to-do list this season. Head to https://tinyurl.com/RBGWayfair right now to get your home holiday ready.  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 212: Introducing Instagram New Teen Accounts with Naomi Gleit
Sep 19 2024
Episode 212: Introducing Instagram New Teen Accounts with Naomi Gleit
We were thrilled to be invited to the big announcement from Meta this week introducing their Instagram Teen Accounts! We got to sit down with Naomi Gleit, Head of Product at Meta, to talk about just what these changes mean for teens and for parents. We believe this is an important lesson…to hear about the changes and to hear her heart in wanting to partner with parents. It was such an encouraging conversation for us and we believe it will be for those of you in the throes of trying to protect your kids on social media. And, here are the highlights: private accounts (that started rolling out on Tuesday where they automatically shift your teenager to a private account) stricter messaging restrictions sensitive content restrictions (including anti-bullying AND cosmetic procedures limited interactions with only people they follow time limit reminders and sleep mode We’re trying to get our own teen accounts, too! We’d love to hear how your teenagers are responding to the changes and we’re so grateful for the thoughtfulness and intentionality of @naomigleit and her team!  . . . . . Grab a copy of Are My Kids on Track? to follow along with us through the season! 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 209 - Milestone Two: How to have an Emotional Perspective
Sep 10 2024
Episode 209 - Milestone Two: How to have an Emotional Perspective
Y’all, we really believe this episode is a MUST LISTEN. On a 1 to 10 scale when it comes to emotions, we’re seeing more kids who are living at 10 than ever before. They’re using big words. You’ve heard us say it…rather than sad, they’re saying “I’m depressed.” Rather than worried or stressed, they’re saying “I have anxiety.” When they get the very most upset, they say “I want to kill myself!” And we’re left wondering—and panicking—that it really might be true. We have GOT to help kids find their way not only to accurate words to describe their emotion but to the FOUNDATIONAL milestone of perspective. In other words, we know, as adults, that most of life is about a 3 to a 7 on a scale and we have to help kids find their way to the 3’s and the 7’s, so we really do know the 10’s are happening. Plus, that kind of perspective is crucial to healthy relationships, workplaces…just healthy life, in general. So, we really do believe this conversation is deeply important. Share it with your friends, with your spouse, on your stories, in all the spaces. We’ve got to change things for the kids we love.  . . . . . Ezekiel 20 from the Message - "I seriously considered inflicting my anger on them in force right there in Egypt. Then I thought better of it. I acted out of who I was, not by how I felt." Grab a copy of Are My Kids on Track? to follow along with us through the season! Strong & Smart Workbook for Boys Braver, Stronger, Smarter Workbook for Girls Brave for Teen Girls Episode 12: Understanding the Why Behind Your Child's Behavior with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind . . . . . 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: Nurture Life: Head to NurtureLife.com and use code RBG for 55% off your first order. Needed: Head over to thisisneeded.com and use code RBG for 20% off your first order. 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 207: Strengthening the Mother/Daughter Connection with Sandra Stanley and Allie Stanley Cooney
Aug 29 2024
Episode 207: Strengthening the Mother/Daughter Connection with Sandra Stanley and Allie Stanley Cooney
One of our favorite interviews we’ve ever done was with the wonderful and insightful Sandra and Andy Stanley. THIS WEEK, we got to meet their daughter, Allie! On this episode of the podcast, we get to talk with Allie and Sandra together and dive into the mother/daughter relationship, which moms—you know, can be one of your biggest sources of both joy and heartache. We talk about it all in this episode and specific ways to strengthen your relationship TODAY. And, it’s all based on Allie and Sandra’s new book, which we would HIGHLY recommend, Meet Me in the Middle! If you have a daughter, grab yourself and her a copy today!  Sandra's Potato-Bacon Frittata (Serves 6) 3 Tablespoons Butter 2 Cups Frozen Potatoes w/onions & peppers 6 Large Eggs 2 Tablespoons Milk 1/4 Teaspoon Salt 1/4 Teaspoon Pepper 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar 6 Slices Bacon, Cooked & Crumbled Garnishes: diced fresh tomato or picante sauce *Melt butter in 10' skillet over medium heat. Add frozen potatoes, cook 10 minutes or until browned. *Combine eggs and next three ingredients; stirring with whisk, pour over pot. *As mixture starts to cook, gently lift edges of frittata with spatula, and tilt pan so uncooked portion flows underneath. If center remains uncooked, carefully turn frittata over and cook 5 minutes until center is done. . . . . . 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 205: Are My Kids on Track - Milestone One: Emotional Vocabulary
Aug 20 2024
Episode 205: Are My Kids on Track - Milestone One: Emotional Vocabulary
When you were growing up, did your parents pass a feelings chart around the dinner table? Or did you have healthy conversations around emotions? We’re guessing, for most of us, that’s a no—but we’d love to hear in the comments! In case you didn’t or are just wondering what a healthy emotional vocabulary looks like for your family, this episode is the one for you! In it, we discuss what it looks like to fold an emotional vocabulary into the life of your family, plus stumbling blocks and building blocks that are often more specific to girls and boys (and maybe mom’s and dad’s, too). We hope it’s help and that you’re HAPPY and ENCOURAGED once you have a chance to listen! Grab a copy of Are My Kids on Track? to follow along with us through the season! . . . . . 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 you must go to hiyahealth.com/RBG. This deal is not available on their regular website. Our Place: Go to fromourplace.com and enter my code RBG at checkout to receive 10% off sitewide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 202: Parenting through Loss and Finding Joy with Levi and Jennie Lusko
Aug 6 2024
Episode 202: Parenting through Loss and Finding Joy with Levi and Jennie Lusko
What a gift it was to sit down with our friends Levi Lusko and Jennie Lusko. These two are real, honest, kind, thoughtful, deep, and point all of us to Jesus. It’s who they are and what this entire conversation is full of. We can’t wait for you to listen in on this conversation and believe it will bring you fresh hope and life. . . . . . For a deeper dive, check out 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: BYU Radio - The Apple Seed Podcast: Find The Apple Seed wherever you get your podcasts and check out this article! Wayfair: Visit Wayfair.com or download the Wayfair app. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/RBG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 201: Helping Kids Work Through the Lonelies with Emily Ley
Aug 1 2024
Episode 201: Helping Kids Work Through the Lonelies with Emily Ley
How many of your lives are better organized at the hands of our friend Emily Ley? Ours sure are. We love her organizers, her Instagram account and all the tips we find there and we are HUGE fans of her children’s books! This episode comes at a perfect time, as so many of us are sending nervous kiddos back to school. “Who will I sit with?” “Who do I play with at recess?” It can be tough to start back to school. Even the most confident kids can feel apprehensive about friends. You’ll Always Have a Friend, her newest book, addresses these questions and more. We love that it not only helps kids with practical tools in making friends, but it helps them find more creative ways as to “what to do when the lonelies come”. (How great is that subtitle?!) We can’t wait for you to listen in on this conversation full of helpful, practical tips from our wise and immensely helpful friend Emily Ley!  Episode 61: Helping Kids See Their True Identity with Emily Ley . . . . . 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 199: The Power of Vulnerability and Parenting with Bear and Mary Rinehart
Jul 23 2024
Episode 199: The Power of Vulnerability and Parenting with Bear and Mary Rinehart
How many of you are Needtobreathe fans out there?! We sure are and are even moreso after this conversation with Bear Rinehart and his wise, wonderful wife, Mary. We had SUCH a rich, fun conversation about parenting, about each of their favorite songs of his AND about the power of vulnerability in parenting. We can’t wait for you to listen and let’s do it again. We’d love to hear your favorite either Needtobreathe OR Wilder Woods song below! And…if you’re not familiar yet with Wilder Woods, you’ll have to listen in on this conversation for more info! If you missed last year's Music City Series we have a Spotify playlist created just for you! . . . . . 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. . . . . . A special thank you from our sponsors: Our Place: Go to fromourplace.com and enter my code RBG at checkout to receive 10% off sitewide. Our Place offers a 100 day trial with free shipping and returns. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/RBG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 198: Co-Parenting with God and Incorporating Scripture as a Family with Ellie Holcomb
Jul 16 2024
Episode 198: Co-Parenting with God and Incorporating Scripture as a Family with Ellie Holcomb
Warning: the joy is going to ooze out of your speakers or AirPods this episode. We were grinning from ear to ear the entire conversation with our dear and delightful friend Ellie Holcomb. We are SO excited about her new album, All of My Days, that goes along with the expanded and updated edition of her bestselling devotional, Fighting Words! Plus, of course, we talk about parenting, too! Like you, we adore Ellie, trust her heart and thoroughly enjoy every conversation with her wise, wonderful self…this one included! We know you will, too! . . . . . If you loved this episode with Ellie, go back to Episode 85: How to Find and Share Joy in Parenting and listen to our conversation her and her husband, Drew! If you missed last year's Music City Series we have a Spotify playlist created just for you! . . . . . 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. . . . . . A special thank you from our sponsors: CAIN - I'm So Blessed: Head to imsoblessedbook.com to be entered for a chance to win a VIP experience for you and 3 others to see CAIN in concert in 2025! You’ll also get free downloadable coloring pages, and posters of the book characters. Field of Greens: Get started with 15% off AND free shipping. Visit fieldofgreens.com and use promo code RBG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices