How to Raise Capable Kids (with David Thomas)

How to Raise Capable Kids (with David Thomas)

From Dad Tired by Jerrad Lopes

June 1, 2026 · 52 min · Episode 550

About this episode

Jerrad Lopes and David Thomas discuss practical strategies for raising capable and resilient children.

Important Links: Grab a copy of David's book: Capable: Raising Resiliant Kids Mentioned: The Anxious Generation & The Amazing Generation Dad Tired Annual Retreat Host A Dad Tired Conference at your church Join the FREE Family Leadership Program Shop the Dad Tired store for best-selling gear In this episode, Jerrad sits down with David Thomas, executive director of Daystar Counseling Ministries and co-author of Capable , for a practical and deeply encouraging conversation on raising resilient kids. David explains why our goal as parents should not simply be to raise happy or confident children, but capable ones. He and Jerrad talk about the temptation to rescue our kids from hard things, how anxiety often shows up differently in boys, why chores and discomfort matter, and how kids build competence by practicing coping, problem-solving, and flexibility. They also talk honestly about dads doing their own healing work, how unhealed pain can spill onto our families, and why strong families begin with men who are willing to name what is going on in their own hearts. If you’re a dad who wants to raise kids who can handle real life with courage, resilience, and dependence on Jesus…

People in this episode

Host: Jerrad Lopes

Guest: David Thomas

Topics covered

  • raising resilient kids
  • parenting
  • anxiety in children
  • family dynamics
  • fatherhood
  • personal healing

Keywords

  • resilient kids
  • parenting advice
  • fatherhood
  • anxiety
  • competence
  • family leadership

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Daystar Counseling Ministries

Books & works: Capable: Raising Resiliant Kids, The Anxious Generation, The Amazing Generation

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