How We Really Toughen Kids Up [episode 152]
![header graphic for How We Really Toughen Kids Up [episode 152]](https://terryndrieling.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Terryn-ep.-152-header.png)
Listen to How We Really Toughen Kids Up on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | your platform of choice
We’ve all heard some version of, “That’s the problem with kids these days.” Maybe it’s a joke about how we were disciplined growing up, or a comment about kids needing to “toughen up”.
In today’s episode, I’m talking about how we really toughen kids up. Honestly, my own thoughts around this have shifted dramatically in recent years as I’ve done my own inner work + learned more about brain development, psychology, and emotions.
Whether a child is taught to stop crying because they’ll get a reward OR because they’re afraid of what will happen if they don’t, the result looks surprisingly similar. A kid learns to stop showing emotion without ever learning how to process it.
Fear-based compliance might make a child quieter in the moment, but…what’s that actually teaching them?
I want to raise resilient, tough kids who can handle what life throws at them, too. I’ve just had a HUGE change of heart about how we get them there!
If you need more support with meeting your own “inner little kid”, I’d love to walk alongside you. Schedule a free 30-minute call with me, and let’s talk about 1:1 Good Movement Guidance. Don’t forget to mention “castpod” when you book to receive 10% off!
In this episode, How We Really Toughen Kids Up, I cover:
- Why my perspective on “kids these days” has changed
- How different parenting extremes can create surprisingly similar outcomes
- Getting honest about what we actually needed as kids
- What it really looks like to raise tough, resilient kids
- Why kids need a softer place to land when they’re experiencing life lessons
Resources & Links:
- Schedule a free consult and see if 1:1 Good Movement Guidance is right for you – mention “castpod” when you book to receive 10% off!
- Check out my merch shop
- Join the waitlist for the Good Movement Collective
- Good Movement music by: Aaron Espe
- Podcast produced by: Jill Carr Podcasting
Connect with Terryn:
- Follow on Instagram @terryn.drieling
- Check out my website
- Send me an email at terryn@terryndrieling.com
Related Episodes:
- Episode 42: What I Would Do Differently in Parenting if I Had It to Do Over Again
- Episode 83: Let Them (See You Feel): Raising Resilient Kids by Being Real in Front of Them
- Episode 142: The Unhelpful Things We Heard as Kids and What to Say Instead
More about the Good Movement Draws Good Movement podcast:
In stockmanship (the art and science of handling cattle in a safe, effective, low-stress manner), we have this phrase . . . good movement draws good movement.
It’s this thing that happens when we ask a small group of cattle, maybe a cow or a pair, to move out in a certain direction, and their movement draws the whole herd into moving in the same direction.
Good movement happens when we approach the cattle with a positive attitude, read and really listen to what they’re telling us, and communicate accordingly.
We don’t approach the aware, flighty cattle the same as we do the tame, docile cattle. We adjust ourselves, our energy, and our approach, and we communicate with each other differently.
These adjustments help us effectively draw good movement from each, which then draws good movement from the herd. But it starts with us.
The same is true for humans. Good movement starts with us.
Welcome to Good Movement Draws Good Movement, the podcast where farmers, ranchers, and rural folks can grow relationally through awareness, understanding, and effective communication.
Hey, it’s me – T. I’m your host, and I, along with my guests, will be covering topics related to drawing good movement – things like self and social awareness, brain science, positive psychology, extending grace, and so much more.
We’ll share tools that can help you understand why you are the way you are, why others are the way they are, and how you can use that to step out of self-told lies with grace and compassion to draw good movement in conversations, relationships, and life in rural America.
Tune in every Tuesday, and make sure to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode! Let’s go draw good movement!
