The Comfort Crisis: Why Today’s Teens Are Soft, Squishy an Unprepared to Launch cover art

The Comfort Crisis: Why Today’s Teens Are Soft, Squishy an Unprepared to Launch

The Comfort Crisis: Why Today’s Teens Are Soft, Squishy an Unprepared to Launch

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

 Why are so many teens today collapsing under ordinary challenges?Things seem hard because we are soft. After decades of comfort, convenience, and ease, too many kids haven’t been forged by healthy discomfort—so everyday life feels overwhelming.In this episode, Greg and Rachel Denning reveal why today’s teens are unprepared to launch—and how parents can strategically build resilience, grit, and holistic toughness without becoming harsh or hard-hearted.Key Takeaways:✅ Use micro doses of discomfort—workouts, cold showers, chores, social reps—to build daily resilience✅ Plan macro doses of challenge—travel, service, treks, adventures—to forge lasting grit✅ Avoid raising “squishy kids” who collapse under stress, rejection, or discomfort✅ Teach kids emotional strength and sensitivity without raising entitled adults✅ Prepare your children to handle setbacks, stress, and even crisis with courageBottom line: If you don’t add challenge, the world will—and it won’t be gentle. Parents must be deliberate about raising strong, well-rounded kids who are ready to launch into adulthood with confidence.✨ Memorable Quotes🗣 “Things seem hard because we are soft.”🗣 “We can’t just be helpless little babies that can’t do anything.”🗣 “Do insanely difficult things so the hard things of life feel like no big deal.”🗣 “Our kids don’t need Disneyland—they need Kilimanjaro.”🗣 “The only way to earn toughness is to do hard things.”🗣 “If you don’t strategically add challenge, life will—and it won’t be gentle.”Chapters:00:00 The Importance of Grit in Parenting02:40 Generational Cycles and Their Impact05:15 The Crisis of Modern Youth08:13 Resilience and Emotional Intelligence10:53 The Comfort Crisis: A Modern Dilemma13:26 Building Grit Through Experience16:11 The Role of Family in Developing Strength19:16 Micro and Macro Dosing Hardship21:48 The Value of Challenging Experiences24:32 The Dangers of Overprotection27:35 Holistic Development in Families30:11 Creating a Supportive Community32:47 The Role of Perspective in Parenting35:55 Navigating Modern Challenges38:35 The Importance of Real Experiences41:21 The Impact of Virtual Reality on Youth43:50 Choosing Discomfort for Growth46:48 The Power of Shared Experiences49:32 Strategic Parenting for Resilience52:14 Building a Legacy of Strength🎉 It’s not too late to join!Fall 2025 Habits for a Successful Life Online Class for Teens → Learn More HereHelp your teen build life skills, confidence, and discipline.RESOURCES:Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life PlannerJOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE! Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and TribeGather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.