
The Happy Home Podcast with Arlene Pellicane
Arlene PellicaneStop Rescuing, Start Raising: How to Build Capable Kids with David Thomas & Sissy Goff
April 20, 2026 ● 29 minShare this episode
They're back! Beloved counselors and bestselling authors David Thomas and Sissy Goff join Arlene to talk about their new book, Capable: How to Teach Your Kids Strengths, Skills, and Strategies to Build Resilience. After 30+ years of counseling, they're sounding the alarm on a generation of kids who are increasingly averse to risk, effort, and discomfort.
What if your child doesn't want to be capable, preferring convenience and entertainment instead? David and Sissy share practical tools from the book that will help you spark motivation and build resilient, capable kids (even when your kids are resistant). Whether your child is a toddler or a teenager, this episode will help you prepare your children for life and its challenges. This is such a needed conversation for today's family.
2:14 What counselors are seeing after 30+ years: a generation avoiding discomfort
4:06 What to do with kids who say: "I don't want to be capable"
10:03 "Don't do for your kids what they can do for themselves"
10:41 Support vs. challenge equation: which one are you?
15:08 Trusting God and your own intuition over the apps
19:28 Screens, social anxiety, and the word "awkward"
21:34 "My job is not to make you happy — it's to develop your character"
25:10 Role-play: what to say when your kid refuses school, camp, or a new friend
28:09 Capable starts in the Costco cart
Connect with David & Sissy and get their book, Capable: How to Teach Your Kids Strengths, Skills, and Strategies to Build Resilience at raisingboysandgirls.com.
Instagram: @raisingboysandgirls and @sissygoff
More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:
SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse.
Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.
Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook
Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel
How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.
Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com
Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Today's Devotional
A Prayer for God to Strengthen Mothers Who Feel Worn Out - Your Daily Prayer - May 9
In troubling times, we can draw near to God and find comfort in His arms. Our heavenly Father is compassionate and understands sorrow, grief, anguish, and even regret when it comes to loving and caring deeply.
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