The hardest part of parenting isn’t the calendar or the carpools—it’s knowing when to cheer louder and when to get out of the way. We sit down, shorts weather and all, to unpack the thin line between healthy encouragement and the kind of blind confidence that leaves a kid declaring they’re “the best at hockey” after crying through evaluations. From the glass at a rink to the bleachers at gymnastics, we explore what it actually looks like to let kids struggle, self-correct, and choose their own path.

Our conversation ranges from back-to-school overload and the hidden cost of over-scheduling to the surprisingly tender lessons inside a messy morning meltdown—including a drywall repair and a real apology. We talk honestly about coaching your own kid versus stepping back so they can hear another voice, the difference between praise that builds grit and praise that inflates ego, and how to set consequences that teach priorities without shaming effort. You’ll hear why “shepherds, not engineers” has become our north star, plus practical ways to handle siblings who disrupt cherished rituals, like a peaceful fishing trip that goes gloriously sideways.

Whether your child is trading team hockey for solo gymnastics, begging for new basketball shoes without logging reps, or insisting they’re “fine” for tests they didn’t study for, you’ll get tools to navigate motivation, resilience, and repair. Expect candid stories, hard-won strategies, and a reminder that your voice doesn’t have to be the loudest to lead. If you’re trying to raise grounded, confident kids who can handle feedback and find their drive, press play and join the conversation. If this resonated, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review—what’s one place you’re ready to step back so your kid can step up?