As parents, it’s natural to want to smooth the path for our daughters—to protect them from hurt, hardship, and struggle. But when we make life too easy, we may unintentionally rob them of the very opportunities that build strength, character, and faith. 

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay, Founder & Executive Director Emeritus, is joined by Erin Kunkle, co-founder of MAVEN and a veteran homeschooling mom, to talk about why struggle is not the enemy of growth—it’s the catalyst for it. Erin draws from her experience as a ministry leader, speaker, and mom to highlight how over-helping can hinder a girl’s emotional, mental, and spiritual development. 

Together, Patti and Erin unpack why “lawnmower parenting” may feel loving in the moment but ultimately leaves girls unequipped for the challenges of life and faith. Instead, they remind us that it’s through perseverance, problem-solving, and dependence on Christ that our daughters become resilient young women who pursue truth, goodness, and beauty. 

Scripture References in this Episode: 

• Romans 5:3–4 — “Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” 

• James 1:2–4 — “Consider it pure joy… because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” 

• Hebrews 12:11 — “No discipline seems pleasant at the time… later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace.” 

• Proverbs 22:6 — “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” 

If you’ve ever wrestled with knowing when to step in and when to step back, this episode will encourage you to trust God’s design, embrace the power of perseverance, and equip your daughter to thrive—even when life gets hard. 

To learn more about Erin’s work and the MAVEN ministry, visit maventruth.com.  Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.    

To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.