About this episode
In this episode of Space for Life , Tommy sits down with parenting expert Keith McCurdy , founder of Live Sturdy and CEO of Total Life Counseling , to unpack what it really means to raise sturdy kids . Keith shares decades of experience counseling more than 15,000 families, guiding parents toward raising emotionally mature, capable, and resilient children. Together, they explore the role of healthy struggle, practical responsibility, and emotional regulation in child development—and why comfort and happiness shouldn’t be the ultimate goals. This conversation challenges modern parenting norms and provides practical steps for building sturdier families—ones grounded in values, identity, and the kind of leadership that grows capable kids and healthy adults. Key Topics Why parenting can feel overwhelming and guilt-inducing What “sturdy” really means in child development How overprotection creates fragile kids Why emotions shouldn’t dictate parenting decisions The connection between practical skills and emotional maturity The value of healthy struggle and discomfort Moving children from consumers to contributors Establishing family identity and guiding principles Leading with sacrifice and consistency in parenting Practical steps to begin raising sturdier kids 00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges 02:50 The Importance of Raising Sturdy Kids 06:10 Generational Wisdom in Parenting 08:51 The Role of Emotions in Parenting 11:48 Defining ‘Sturdy’ in Parenting 14:50 Practical Skills for Sturdy Kids 17:51 The Impact of Struggle on Growth 20:43 The Disconnect Between Happiness and Growth 24:05 The Process of Maturity Through Trials 32:09 The Fragility of Overprotection 36:21 The Role of Discomfort in Growth 41:31 Establishing Family Identity and Guiding Principles 47:03 Transitioning from Enabling to Empowering 55:42 Practical Steps for Raising Sturdy Kids Keith McCurdy President & CEO, Total Life Counseling Founder, Live Sturdy Counselor, Speaker, and Parenting Coach livesturdy.com Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org