Ep. 72 - Spot the Signs of Emotional Struggle & What to Do About It: Sissy Goff and David Thomas

Ep. 72 - Spot the Signs of Emotional Struggle & What to Do About It: Sissy Goff and David Thomas

From MomCast by Local Moms Network

March 17, 2026 · 36 min

About this episode

This episode features experts Sissy Goff and David Thomas discussing how parents can recognize and address emotional struggles in their tweens and teens.

Moms, parenting tweens and teens can be downright confusing. Some behaviors are developmentally normal—yet those same behaviors can also signal that it’s time to step in. Today’s guests, Sissy Goff and David Thomas, are experts at helping parents understand the difference. Both are licensed therapists with more than 30 years of experience supporting children and families in Nashville. Through their widely followed platform, Raising Boys and Girls, they equip parents nationwide with practical tools. They’re also the authors of the new book Capable, which explains why resilience may be the most important trait we can help our kids develop. In this episode, they share clear guidance on: * what kids wish their parents knew about the pressures of growing up today * understanding the difference between pulling away from parents and isolating from friends and activities * why avoiding eye contact during a sensitive conversation is actually a good thing (and what to do instead) * why boys are more likely to hide their insecurities and struggles and what to say to connect * recognizing whether your child is struggling or truly feeling debilitated by their challenges To learn more about…

People in this episode

Host: Local Moms Network

Guests: Sissy Goff, David Thomas

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Raising Boys and Girls, Stamford Studios Digital Factory

Books & works: Capable

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