All Episodes

May 1, 2025 29 mins

They are back! Sissy Goff and David Thomas are back to equip us with “3 core needs for every kid.” They are always so encouraging and so very practical. The work they have done in their counseling offices has helped thousands of parents just like me. I cling to their perspective and biblical encouragement. 


We talk about our kids’ need for resilience, courage and relationship. We also talk about the health benefits for your kids when they have a dog. I couldn't agree more and I was the most anti-dog person in our family until we got our dog. And if you want to go watch this one on YouTube - you’ll see a cute appearance by Sissy’s dog, Patches.


My favorite part was when they shared about our kids’ need for connection more than correction. I am so guilty of critiquing my kids and I can see their little faces sink when I do that. This is a huge reminder for us all to fight for connection instead of staying stuck in a loop of critique. What would the little kid in you want from your parents? Let’s stay alert this week and catch ourselves when we lead with criticism. 


In this episode, we discuss: 

  • Health benefits of kids having a dog
  • Resilience and taking healthy risks 
  • How to speak courage into the lives of our kids
  • How to prioritize relationships 


Enjoy!

Courtney 


(02:59) Core Needs for Kids: The Importance of Dogs

(06:04) The Role of Courage in Child Development

(12:01) Healthy Risk Taking in Children

(17:59) Building Relationships and Social Skills

(23:57) Conclusion and Resources for Parents


Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo


Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith



Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Sissy and David

Daystar Counseling 

Daystar dogs - new books – Owen Learns He Has What It Takes and Lucy Learns to Be Brave

Anxious Generation

Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide


Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org



Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com


Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

United States of Kennedy
Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.