Julie and David Bulitt sit down with Jeff Nelligan, author of "The Four Lessons from My Three Sons," former congressional staffer, presidential appointee, Army veteran, and Georgetown Law graduate, for a refreshing, no-nonsense conversation about raising resilient kids. Jeff shares the strategies he used to build independence in his three boys (all of whom became military officers), from the famous "$5 in the mall" challenge to turning everyday errands into teaching moments.
 
Together they dig into the dangers of helicopter and snowplow parenting, why kids need to fail while the stakes are still small, and how letting children struggle actually builds the confidence and ambition they'll carry into adulthood. Julie offers a therapist's perspective on kids facing real adversity, and David presses Jeff on how two parents get on the same page about a firmer parenting style.
 
Whether you're raising toddlers or launching a teenager toward college, this episode is full of hidden gems on courtesy, confidence, resilience, and ambition — the four components of a "good kid."
 
Find Jeff and his book:
Website: https://www.nelliganbooks.com
Instagram: @Nelligan_books
X (Twitter): Resilient Sons
Facebook: Jeff Nelligan Books
 
Connect with The Bulitts:
Website: https://thebulitts.com/
Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube — @TheBulitts everywhere you look.
 
Julie Bulitt is a licensed clinical social worker and family therapist. David Bulitt is a divorce and family lawyer. This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only.