# Episode 145: The “Crisis of Capability”: David Thomas and Sissy Goff on Raising Kids Who Can Handle Real Life

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/messmerized-funny-and-faith-based-encouragement-in-marriage-family-christian-parenting-and-finding-purpose-6384408/episode-145-the-crisis-of-capability-david-thomas-and-sissy-goff-on-raising-kids-who-can-handle-real-life
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/messmerized-funny-and-faith-based-encouragement-in-marriage-family-christian-parenting-and-finding-purpose-6384408/episode-145-the-crisis-of-capability-david-thomas-and-sissy-goff-on-raising-kids-who-can-handle-real-life.md
Podcast: [MESSmerized - Funny and faith based encouragement in marriage , family , Christian parenting , and finding purpose](https://stenobird.com/podcast/messmerized-funny-and-faith-based-encouragement-in-marriage-family-christian-parenting-and-finding-purpose-6384408)
Published: 2026-04-22T10:00:55+00:00
Episode link: http://www.cynthiayanof.com
Audio file: https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/0aafbac2-4e6e-4973-bca9-e792feb5f688/stream.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1914

## Resource

Today’s episode starts with my youngest… accidentally macing the entire second floor of our house. If you haven’t heard this story, you’re missing out. And then, naturally, we pivot to: are we raising kids who can actually handle life? I sat down with my friends from Raising Boys & Girls, David Thomas and Sissy Goff, and we talked about why so many kids today feel overwhelmed, anxious, and honestly… kind of incapable. Not because they’re not smart or talented—but because somewhere along the way, we started rescuing more than we were equipping. We get into: why kids are avoiding risk (and what that’s doing to them) how TikTok became their therapist (terrifying) the difference between helping your kids and accidentally handicapping them and how to raise kids who can “shake it off” instead of falling apart Also—if your kid can’t make a decision without calling you 14 times… we address that too. 😬 Come for the pepper spray story. Stay for how to raise kids who won’t mace themselves… metaphorically or otherwise. All Things Cynthia Capable by David Thomas and Sissy Goff Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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