The EXTRAORDINARY Family Life Podcast

Greg and Rachel Denning
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  • PARENTING
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THE podcast for parents with big dreams who want to create an EXTRAORDINARY lifestyle but feel stuck. Greg and Rachel Denning are parents of 7 children whom they've traveled with to 60+ countries on 5 continents -- all while homeschooling and building a multi-six-figure location independent biz. Let them show you how to finally break through what's holding you back so you can achieve your biggest dreams -- even with a family!

  1. The Parenting Shift That Changes Everything: Be the Model

    13H AGO

    The Parenting Shift That Changes Everything: Be the Model

    Are you doing all the right parenting things—but still feeling exhausted, disconnected, and frustrated that nothing is really changing? Have you ever wondered why your kids don’t seem to listen, why your marriage feels off, or why life feels harder than it should—even though you’re “trying” so hard? In this powerful and deeply honest episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood truths about parenting and leadership: humans don’t change through instruction—they change through modeling. We explore why trying is not the same as doing, why so many parents feel stuck in the “messy middle,” and how misaligned priorities quietly sabotage family connection, peace, and fulfillment. You’ll hear why gratitude and letting go create more progress than force, why real change often feels counterintuitive, and how focusing on yourself—not fixing everyone else—is the fastest way to transform your family. This episode is for parents who are ready to stop spinning their wheels and start seeing real results—in their marriage, parenting, health, finances, and inner peace. If you want a calmer home, closer relationships, and a family culture built on joy, clarity, and leadership—this conversation will challenge you in the best way possible. Key Takeaways ✅ Children learn through modeling—not lectures or rules ✅ Trying doesn’t produce results—doing does ✅ Aligned priorities create peace, fulfillment, and joy ✅ Gratitude accelerates growth and attracts better outcomes ✅ You can’t change your family until you lead yourself first ✅ Real progress is direction change—not instant perfection ✅ Doing less—but doing the right things—changes everything Memorable Quotes 🗣 “You are the way—you’re the model.” 🗣 “Trying is not the same as doing.” 🗣 “If you want your kids to change, lead the way.” 🗣 “Gratitude isn’t a checklist—it’s a state of being.” 🗣 “When your priorities are aligned, you feel it.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Holistic Success 01:08 The Struggle for Balance in Life 02:06 The Importance of Prioritizing Relationships 03:08 The Role of Modeling in Family Dynamics 03:14 Navigating Challenges in Parenting 04:07 The Complexity of Emotional Needs 04:34 The Power of Gratitude and Positive Focus 06:53 Recognizing Progress and Direction 08:14 The Journey Towards Extraordinary Family Life 16:29 Prioritizing Pleasure in Relationships 17:29 The Importance of Personal Health and Ownership 20:57 Leading by Example: The Power of Personal Change 26:50 Finding Joy in the Journey 29:44 The Balance of Doing and Allowing 34:59 Clarity and Intuition in Action RESOURCES: Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey. How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids) Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠ Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+ Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class! Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK! Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

    38 min
  2. How to Rebuild a Broken Connection With Your Child

    JAN 14

    How to Rebuild a Broken Connection With Your Child

    Are you struggling to connect with your child—even though you love them deeply and are trying your best? Have you ever wondered why behavior issues, emotional distance, or constant conflict keep showing up in your family—no matter how hard you work at parenting? In this powerful episode, we break down a truth that changes everything: good parenting ultimately comes down to strong attachment and connection with your children. Whether you’re parenting toddlers, teens, or somewhere in between, every behavior—tantrums, rebellion, withdrawal, anxiety, defiance—points back to attachment. And the good news? Attachment can always be rebuilt. We dive deep into why early attachment matters, how patterns formed in infancy can carry into the teen years and adulthood, and—most importantly—what you can do now to repair broken bonds, rebuild trust, and create lasting connection with your child. This episode is both hope-filled and practical, showing parents exactly how small, intentional changes—like presence, co-regulation, physical affection, and emotional attunement—can completely transform family dynamics. If you’ve ever felt discouraged, blamed yourself, or wondered if it’s “too late,” this conversation will give you clarity, direction, and confidence moving forward. Family work is the most important work—and success is in the details. Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQxLUerQ1z0 🔑 Key Takeaways ✅ Behavior problems are attachment problems—and attachment can be healed ✅ Strong connection prevents tantrums, rebellion, and emotional shutdown ✅ Presence matters more than rules, lectures, or discipline ✅ Co-regulation must come before correction ✅ Physical affection and emotional validation build nervous system safety ✅ Even teens still need you as their emotional anchor ✅ Small daily check-ins prevent big problems later ✅ Parents must be willing to grow, change, and take responsibility 💬 Memorable Quotes 🗣 “Good parenting comes down to good connections with your kids.” 🗣 “If there’s misbehavior, there’s an attachment issue underneath it.” 🗣 “Presence—not perfection—is what heals broken bonds.” 🗣 “Just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s healthy.” 🗣 “Parents have to level up—children aren’t the problem.” ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Reflections on Family Legacy and Connection 00:35 The Importance of Family Work 01:27 Understanding Attachment in Parenting 02:23 Neuroplasticity and Rebuilding Connections 03:36 Creating Bonds with Children 05:25 The Role of Dads in Parenting 05:51 Identifying Attachment Disorders 07:31 Strategies for Rebuilding Connections 07:46 The Power of Presence in Parenting 08:41 Engaging with Children Effectively 09:32 Practical Tips for Connection 11:43 The Importance of Physical Affection 15:03 The Importance of Touch and Co-Regulation 16:28 Emotionally Attuned Parenting 18:06 Navigating the Balance of Support and Independence 19:56 Rebuilding Attachment and Connection 22:18 Engaging in Shared Activities for Bonding 26:32 The Role of Parents as Emotional Anchors30:04 Creating a Life of Connection and Fulfillment

    31 min
  3. How to Parent Without Yelling (And Why Tantrums Stop)

    JAN 7

    How to Parent Without Yelling (And Why Tantrums Stop)

    Are you tired of yelling—and still dealing with tantrums, defiance, and emotional meltdowns? What if the reason tantrums keep happening isn’t because your child is “misbehaving,” but because something deeper isn’t being addressed? In this episode, Greg & Rachel Denning break down the exact framework they’ve used to practice parenting without yelling—and to prevent tantrums before they start. As parents of seven, they share the six core principles that transformed their family culture from reactive and exhausting to calm, connected, and emotionally resilient. You’ll learn why tantrums are a symptom, not the problem, and how prioritizing connection over correction eliminates the need for constant discipline. This conversation challenges the myth that punishment creates better behavior and shows how teaching, clarity, emotional co-regulation, and healthy challenge create lasting change. They also explain why many kids simply lack the neurological ability to self-regulate, and how co-regulation—not isolation or punishment—is the missing piece for most families struggling with meltdowns. If you’re ready to stop firefighting behavior and start building a family culture that actually works, this episode will change how you see parenting. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/V1Vrh3u6FpI  Key Takeaways: ✅ Connection reduces the need for correction — discipline works best when the relationship is protected first. ✅ Tantrums are symptoms, not the problem — go upstream to unmet needs instead of reacting to behavior. ✅ Parent with clarity, not threats or bribes — vague rules create rebellion; clear teaching creates ownership. ✅ Emotional co-regulation is essential — children can’t self-regulate until they’re taught how through you. ✅ Family systems reduce chaos — routines and expectations remove friction and power struggles. ✅ Resilience is built through connection and challenge — kids grow strongest when they choose hard things with your support. Memorable Quotes 🗣 “Connection reduces the need for correction.” 🗣 “Tantrums are a symptom of a problem—not the problem itself.” 🗣 “If you’re not getting the results you want, you need to question your parenting methods.” 🗣 “The most effective way to discipline a child is to teach them—not punish them.” 🗣 “We never correct our children at the expense of connection.” 🗣 “Children don’t need isolation when they’re overwhelmed—they need co-regulation.” 🗣 “Parenting is your most important role. Everything else is secondary.” Chapters: 00:00 Raising Well-Adjusted Kids on the Move 00:42 Understanding Tantrums and Yelling 01:01 Prioritizing Connection Over Correction 04:13 The Importance of Connection Over Correction 05:20 Understanding the Desire for Connection 06:01 The Impact of Parental Engagement 06:10 Recognizing Attachment Issues 06:28 Daily Intentional Connection 06:47 Behavior as a Symptom, Not the Problem 07:21 Going to the Root Cause of Behavior 09:25 The Investment in Parenting Knowledge 10:39 Clarifying Expectations in Parenting 11:34 Engaging in Clear Communication 13:33 Encouraging Dialogue for Clarity 18:05 Natural Consequences and Child Empowerment 19:58 Establishing Family Systems for Smooth Parenting 22:14 Emotional Co-Regulation in Parenting 27:51 Building Resilience Through Connection and Challenge RESOURCES: Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey. How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids) Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠ Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+ Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class! Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK! Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

    34 min
  4. Authoritative Parenting Style: Why It Works Best

    12/31/2025

    Authoritative Parenting Style: Why It Works Best

    Do you and your spouse disagree about discipline—one of you feels too strict while the other feels too soft? Are your kids pushing boundaries, playing you against each other, or reacting emotionally because expectations aren’t clear? In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Greg and Rachel Denning break down the authoritative parenting style—and why it’s the gold standard for raising confident, capable, emotionally healthy kids. You don’t need to parent the same way, but you do need to parent from the same underlying approach. We explain why discipline is rooted in teaching, not punishment, and how authoritative parenting creates structure without control and warmth without permissiveness. When parents are divided, kids feel insecure. When parents are united, children feel safe—and behavior improves naturally. This episode walks through the four major parenting styles, why authoritarian and permissive approaches both fail long-term, and how authoritative parenting balances firm boundaries with connection, respect, and clarity. We also discuss: Why kids actually need boundaries to feel safe How to disagree as parents without damaging your marriage The difference between being a boss and being a leader in your home How to repair mistakes in real time (even in front of your kids) Why teaching builds internal motivation while punishment creates fear If you want kids who do the right thing for the right reason—and a home built on trust, stability, and mutual respect—this episode gives you the framework. Key Takeaways ✅ The authoritative parenting style creates security and confidence. ✅ Discipline works best when it teaches instead of punishes. ✅ Kids need clear boundaries to feel safe—not freedom without limits. ✅ Parents can have different styles but must share the same approach. ✅ Firm and kind are not opposites—you need both. ✅ Unity between parents prevents manipulation and power struggles. Memorable Quotes 🗣 “Discipline is rooted in teaching—not punishment.” 🗣 “It’s not about who’s right. It’s about what’s right.” 🗣 “Nobody likes to be controlled.” 🗣 “You can be firm and kind at the same time.” 🗣 “Unity provides the structure kids need to feel safe.” Chapters 00:00 Parenting from the Same Page 01:39 The Importance of Communication in Parenting 03:21 Navigating Parenting Styles 05:47 Understanding Parenting Approaches 08:13 The Four Parenting Philosophies 16:06 The Pitfalls of Authoritarian Parenting 17:35 Understanding Permissive Parenting 21:16 The Consequences of Neglectful Parenting 26:35 The Gold Standard: Authoritative Parenting 38:44 Getting on the Same Page as Parents 40:50 The Journey of Personal Development in Parenting RESOURCES: Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey. How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids) Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠ Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+ Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class! Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK! Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

    41 min
  5. Stop Sibling Fights Fast (Scripts That Actually Work)

    12/24/2025

    Stop Sibling Fights Fast (Scripts That Actually Work)

    Are you exhausted from the nonstop “That’s mine!” “Stop touching me!” “It’s not fair!” battles—and you’re wondering what to say in the moment without yelling or punishing? What if sibling fights weren’t something you “managed”… but something you could actually heal at the root—with simple scripts that build emotional strength, self-awareness, and better behavior over time? In this video, Greg & Rachel Denning (extraordinary parents of 7, world travelers, and family coaches) share real-life, word-for-word scripts for the most common sibling conflict triggers—from toddlers to teens—including fighting over toys, possessions, personal space, copying/mimicking, fairness, name-calling, snapping, blaming, and even aggression. You’ll learn how to stop doing “symptom management” and instead resolve the underlying causes—so conflict doesn’t become your family’s daily culture. The Dennings break down their calm, connected approach: validate first, teach the principle, role-play the skill, and use natural consequences (without harshness). Key Takeaways: ✅ Stuff is never worth the relationship — don’t let toys, beds, or “my space” become a source of ongoing conflict. ✅ Start with validation — calm the emotion first without picking sides so kids feel seen and can actually listen. ✅ Teach the cause, not just the moment — long-term change happens when you heal the “infection,” not just manage the symptom. ✅ Use identity-based coaching — “Who do you want to be?” helps kids self-correct and choose maturity. ✅ Build self-awareness on purpose — asking “How does that make you feel?” trains kids to notice bitterness vs. connection. ✅ Separate together, not alone — when a child can’t calm down, you don’t banish them… you co-regulate and help them reset. ✅ Hold hard boundaries on big domino behaviors — name-calling, insulting, and aggression must stop because they poison family culture. ✅ Use natural consequences that teach — consequences should be connected, agreed on (when possible), and strong enough to create change. Memorable Quotes: 🗣 “Never let stuff become a point of conflict in a relationship.” 🗣 “If you’re going to choose to be bothered by small things, how often will you be bothered?” 🗣 “We can’t only give attention to symptom management—if we want permanent results, we have to focus on the cause.” 🗣 “Who do you want to be? What kind of person do you want to be?” Chapters 00:55 Addressing Sibling Rivalry 01:31 Healing Underlying Issues 02:21 Practical Strategies for Conflict Resolution 07:03 Navigating Sibling Conflicts 09:47 Teaching Emotional Intelligence 14:37 Calming Techniques for Heated Moments 19:53 Addressing Annoying Behaviors 24:48 Promoting Personal Responsibility 28:18 Building Perspective on Family Dynamics 29:29 Handling Name-Calling and Insults 37:43 Building Resilience in Children 38:13 Parental Responsibility and Empowerment 40:27 Emotional Bank Accounts in Sibling Relationships 41:20 Understanding Fairness in Family Dynamics 43:38 Teaching Fairness and Sharing 43:49 Addressing Physical Aggression in Children 48:37 The Importance of Accountability and Consequences 49:13 Fostering Ownership and Responsibility 50:35 Eliminating Jealousy and Competition 51:21 Standing Up Against Bullying 54:37 Creating an Extraordinary Family Life RESOURCES: Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey. How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids) Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠ Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+ Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class! Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK! Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

    56 min
  6. 3 Strategies to Stop Family Drama in 3 Days (Seriously)

    12/17/2025

    3 Strategies to Stop Family Drama in 3 Days (Seriously)

    Do you feel like the same family conflicts keep resurfacing—no matter how many times you “deal with them”? What if the problem isn’t the conflict… but the drama patterns you’re unknowingly participating in? In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Greg and Rachel break down the drama triangle—a destructive cycle made up of three familiar roles: victim, rescuer, and persecutor. These roles keep families stuck in emotional reactivity, resentment, and zero real resolution. Here’s the truth most parents never hear: you can face conflict head-on without making it dramatic.Stepping out of drama doesn’t mean avoiding problems, disengaging, or “letting things slide.” It means learning how to handle disagreement with clarity, courage, and love—so issues actually get resolved instead of endlessly repeated. In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why drama is not the same thing as conflict—and how to tell the difference The three roles that silently keep family arguments looping How one conscious person can interrupt the entire pattern The exact three steps to exit the drama triangle—starting immediately How to shift from victim → creator, rescuer → coach, and persecutor → challenger Why inner work and emotional awareness are essential to peaceful parenting How these tools don’t just change today’s arguments—but transform family legacies If you’re exhausted from emotional blowups, silent treatments, or constantly playing referee, this episode offers a practical, empowering path forward—one that leads to real resolution, stronger relationships, and a calmer family culture. Key Takeaways ✅ Drama is optional—even when conflict is unavoidable. ✅ The drama triangle keeps families stuck without resolution. ✅ You only need one person to change the pattern. ✅ Stopping your automatic reaction is the first powerful step. ✅ Awareness creates choice—and choice creates change. ✅ Creator, coach, and challenger roles lead to lasting solutions. ✅ Inner work is the gateway to calmer, more effective parenting. Memorable Quotes 🗣 “Conflict can be uncomfortable without being dramatic.” 🗣 “Drama repeats. Conflict resolves.” 🗣 “People treat you the way you train them to treat you.” 🗣 “You don’t need everyone to change—just one conscious person.” 🗣 “This doesn’t just change family dynamics. It changes family legacies.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Family Dynamics and Drama 03:55 Understanding the Drama Triangle 06:04 Roles in the Drama Triangle 09:24 Breaking Free from the Drama Triangle 12:16 Stepping Out of the Drama Triangle 14:24 Awareness and Naming Roles 17:49 Transitioning to Empowered Roles 17:57 The Creator, Coach, and Challenger Roles 37:06 Transforming Family Dynamics RESOURCES: Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey. How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids) Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠ Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+ Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class! Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK! Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

    40 min
  7. Stop the 18-and-Out Myth: Why Teens Don’t Need to Leave to Launch

    12/10/2025

    Stop the 18-and-Out Myth: Why Teens Don’t Need to Leave to Launch

    What if the whole idea that your teen “must move out at 18” is one of the biggest parenting myths of our generation? In this episode, Greg and Rachel challenge the cultural belief that independence = separation. They explain why forcing teens into adult life at 18 isn’t just unnecessary—it’s often harmful, developmentally inappropriate, and rooted in a modern social experiment that has produced more loneliness, more mental illness, weaker families, and generations of underprepared young adults. Greg and Rachel reveal the truth: If your child will only become capable, confident, mature, and contributing after you kick them out… that’s a parenting problem—not a launching strategy. Instead, they show how the teen years (16–25) are the prime window for deep mentoring, skill-building, emotional development, and world-class education. And that staying home longer—in a healthy, high-skill, high-expectation family—creates stronger adults, stronger marriages, and stronger generational wealth. You’ll hear: Why the “18 equals adulthood” idea is culturally manufactured—not biological How incomplete brain development (until 25!) radically changes how we should guide young adults Why independence begins at age 2, not 18… and how to train kids long before the teen years Why most failure-to-launch cases come from lack of parenting skills, not lack of kid motivation If you’ve ever wondered why today’s teens struggle—or how to help your kids become confident, competent adults without pushing them out prematurely—this conversation will completely reframe your parenting vision. 🎉 Enrollment is now open for our Winter 2026 Habits for a Successful Life Online Class for Teens → Learn More Here Key Takeaways ✅ If a child needs to be kicked out to mature, the issue is parenting skills—not the child. ✅ Independence should be trained from early childhood—not suddenly expected at 18. ✅ Teens can stay home longer and become more capable, confident, and successful. ✅ The nuclear-family model is new, modern, and failing—intergenerational families thrive. ✅ Failure to launch has nothing to do with age 18—and everything to do with training, skills, and relationship quality. Memorable Quotes 🗣 “If your kids only become competent when you kick them out, you’ve already failed as a parent.” 🗣 “Independence is developed long before 18—but it doesn’t require separation.” 🗣 “The U.S. is one of the most emotionally broken societies on Earth. Stop copying what’s not working.” 🗣 “Teen chaos isn’t normal. It’s common because it’s done wrong.” 🗣 “The goal is teens who could leave at any moment—and thrive—but choose to stay close because they love being with you.” Chapters 00:00 Epic Adventures and Homecomings 00:28 Rethinking the 18-Year-Old Move-Out Myth 00:57 Parenting Skills and the Failure to Launch 03:04 The Role of Education in Young Adulthood 05:51 Cultural Perspectives on Family Dynamics 09:23 The Dangers of Social Media Influence 09:41 Reframing Independence and Parenting Strategies 16:21 Empowering Children with Life Skills 19:09 The Importance of Parenting Techniques 26:11 Building a Family Legacy and Financial Stability RESOURCES: Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey. How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids) Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠ Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+ Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class! Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK! Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠ Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal

    36 min
  8. Raising Resilient Teens in a Soft, Comfortable World

    12/03/2025

    Raising Resilient Teens in a Soft, Comfortable World

    Do you ever look around and think, “Why are teens today so fragile when life is easier than ever?” In this conversation, Greg and Rachel break down why so many young people are anxious, avoidant, and overwhelmed by normal life—and how to raise resilient teens who can actually handle hard things. They unpack the impact of comfort culture, overprotection, and screen-based living, then share practical ways to “microdose” and “macrodose” challenge through workouts, travel, projects, and real-life responsibility. You’ll learn how to build holistic toughness—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and even financial—without shaming your kids or recreating the harshness of past generations. 🎉 Enrollment is now open for our Winter 2026 Habits for a Successful Life Online Class for Teens → Learn More Here Key Takeaways ✅ Today’s teens are collapsing under normal life stress because they’ve been overprotected from real challenges and underprotected from digital harm. ✅ Things feel hard because we are soft—capacity hasn’t been built through repeated, meaningful difficulty. ✅ True toughness must be holistic: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and financial resilience. ✅ Comfort culture (DoorDash, AC, screens, easy entertainment) removes the friction that used to naturally build grit. ✅ Microdosing difficulty (workouts, cold, chores, outdoor time) builds daily resilience without drama. ✅ Macrodosing difficulty (big trips, adventures, demanding projects, races) resets perspective and capacity. ✅ Real-life experience beats virtual experience—social media, porn, and games rewire the brain without building real-world skills. ✅ Kids need challenge and emotional validation—not “toughen up” coldness, and not bubble-wrap fragility. ✅ You can’t force hard things; you must invite kids into them and sell them on the benefits so they buy in. ✅ The goal is a family culture where hard things feel “normal,” not heroic—“This isn’t that bad. We can do it.” Memorable Quotes 🗣 “Things seem hard because we are soft.” 🗣 “We want to be doing things so insanely difficult that hard things that come along are like, ‘No big deal.’” 🗣 “Our kids are living in a bubble from real life—but being poisoned by virtual life.” 🗣 “The only way to become tough is to do hard things.” 🗣 “Your body can be in pain while your mind and spirit are in joy.” 🗣 “We need to be holistically tough so we can handle whatever life throws at us.” Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Grit in Parenting 00:34 The Crisis of Modern Youth 01:53 Resilience and Emotional Intelligence 04:32 The Comfort Crisis: A Modern Dilemma 07:03 Building Grit Through Experience 08:10 The Role of Family in Developing Strength 08:57 Micro and Macro Dosing Hardship 10:19 The Value of Challenging Experiences 11:29 The Dangers of Overprotection 14:37 Holistic Development in Families 17:13 Creating a Supportive Community 19:49 The Role of Perspective in Parenting 20:56 Navigating Modern Challenges 21:16 The Importance of Real Experiences 23:09 The Impact of Virtual Reality on Youth 25:37 Choosing Discomfort for Growth 26:50 Strategic Parenting for Resilience 27:07 Building a Legacy of Strength RESOURCES: Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey. How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids) Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠ Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+ Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class! Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK! Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠ Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal

    31 min
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4.7
out of 5
100 Ratings

About

THE podcast for parents with big dreams who want to create an EXTRAORDINARY lifestyle but feel stuck. Greg and Rachel Denning are parents of 7 children whom they've traveled with to 60+ countries on 5 continents -- all while homeschooling and building a multi-six-figure location independent biz. Let them show you how to finally break through what's holding you back so you can achieve your biggest dreams -- even with a family!

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