Teaching Children Mental Toughness and Confidence with Joe De Sena and Dr. Lara Pence

Teaching Children Mental Toughness and Confidence with Joe De Sena and Dr. Lara Pence

47:34 Mar 3, 2026
About this episode
Raising resilient kids requires more than just protection from discomfort. It requires teaching them how to move through it with confidence and strength. In this episode, Spartan founder Joe De Sena and clinical psychologist Dr. Lara Pence share the core principles from their book 10 Rules for Resilience for Families and challenge many modern parenting norms. We talk about boundaries, consistency, discipline, movement, nutrition, screen time, and why overparenting can unintentionally create anxiety and insecurity in children. This conversation may stretch you, spark reflection, and encourage meaningful shifts in how you show up as a parent. Take what resonates, leave what does not, and trust yourself as you raise capable, grounded humans. Topics Covered In This Episode: Teaching resilience in children Why boundaries create security Overparenting and anxious kids Building grit and mental toughness Raising capable, independent adults Show Notes: Find a Spartan Race near you Follow @realjoedesena on Instagram Follow @drlarapence on Instagram Read 10 Rules for Resilience Mental Toughness for Families Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell's Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child's number one health advocate! Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD's online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood. Listen to to
Select an episode
0:00 0:00