Mind, Body, and the Great Outdoors: Raising Resilient Kids with Ryan Derstine | Building Men Podcast Ep.207

Welcome to an inspiring episode of our podcast, where we delve into the intricate balance of parenting, mindfulness, and raising resilient children in a world where technology is at our fingertips. I'm your host, Dennis Morolda, and joining me is the tenacious ultra-endurance athlete and owner of Train for Life, Ryan Derstine. Together, we navigate through personal stories and professional insights that underscore the significance of cultivating grit and fortitude within the family unit, particularly through the lens of nature's vast classroom.

Timestamps:

(0:00:02) - Training, Family, and Outdoor Adventures (9 Minutes)
Ryan Derstine returns to discuss how the pandemic has evolved his training business to encompass a mind-body approach. Ryan shares how he keeps his twin boys active with outdoor activities and emphasizes the importance of being present in our children's rapidly changing lives.

(0:08:41) - Parenting, Mindfulness, and Family Connection (6 Minutes)
We dive into the challenges and rewards of mental discipline in parenting and training, with personal stories illustrating the profound effects of mindfulness and being present with family over the distractions of technology.

(0:14:31) - Learning Through Childhood Exploration (7 Minutes)
Reminiscing about childhood spent in nature, we discuss the lifelong benefits of outdoor play and risk-taking, while I reflect on my efforts to ensure children maintain access to physical activities during their formative years.

(0:21:27) - Teaching Kids Mental Endurance (5 Minutes)
The conversation turns to teaching our children the value of pushing through discomfort, using personal anecdotes to illustrate how these experiences build mental endurance and resilience for life's challenges.

(0:26:54) - The Impact of Technology on Kids (8 Minutes)
We tackle the complex subject of children's technology use, balancing the pros and cons, and stressing the importance of parental guidance and boundaries to protect their innocence and foster independent discovery.

(0:35:23) - Building Resilience and Mental Toughness (7 Minutes)
We examine the shifts in youth behavior towards independence and failure, emphasizing the significance of undertaking challenging activities and the role of parents in nurturing their children's strength to face adversities.

(0:42:36) - Mental and Physical Wellness Practices (10 Minutes)
This chapter highlights the deep connection between physical health and mental well-being, discussing how mental resilience can push us beyond our limits and the role of personalized training in our fitness journeys.

(0:52:08) - The Power of Morning Routine (6 Minutes)
We wrap up the episode discussing personal growth, the value of journaling, and the transformative potential of a strong morning routine that sets the tone for a productive day.

Transcript Highlights:

Ryan shares his journey since the pandemic, focusing on how his training now integrates the psychological aspects alongside the physical, and how his boys are growing up with the great outdoors as their playground.

The power of being present in our children's lives is a recurring theme, as we discuss how mindful parenting can create deep and lasting connections with our children, exemplified by Ryan's commitment to walking his boys to school and treasuring those moments.

We touch on the topic of technology and its impact on our children, discussing the delicate balance of introducing devices, the importance of setting boundaries, and how our own behaviors as parents can model healthy technology usage for our kids.

Connect with Us:
For more insights and advice on parenting, mindfulness, and cultivating resilience, connect with Ryan Derstine for coaching, and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more empowering discussions.

Final Thoughts:
In an era where the digital world compet