Use Stories to Normalize Fear and Build Courage

In this solo episode, I dig into one of the most crucial parenting challenges—helping our kids face their fears and build real, lasting confidence. From sports pressure to academic stress to the emotional struggles they often keep bottled up, our kids are living in a high-pressure world. And as fathers, it's our job to create a space where they feel safe, heard, and guided—not just fixed.

I share a recent emotional conversation with my own son that completely reframed how I approach fear with my kids. You'll hear practical scripts, parenting frameworks, and validation tools that you can immediately use to strengthen your relationship and lead your kids through difficult emotions—while empowering them to lead themselves.

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:47] – The "scary" reality kids face daily

[3:16] – Gratitude for the community + book update

[5:03] – Announcing the next live cohort: Overcoming Roommate Syndrome

[9:12] – What fear looks like in your child's world

[10:17] – Why asking for permission to talk matters

[12:14] – My son's moment of vulnerability on the football field

[14:00] – Helping kids name fear and remove shame

[15:15] – Shifting identity from failure to effort

[16:23] – Creating micro-wins to reinforce confidence

[17:41] – Reminding your kids they are already brave

[18:08] – Why praising effort beats praising results

[19:30] – Free resource: "Questions for the Car"

[21:54] – Final thoughts and wrap-up

1. Validate Before You Advise

Asking your child for permission to talk, rather than jumping into correction or pep talks, shows respect and builds trust. Kids don't want quick fixes—they want to feel seen.

2. Name the Fear to Dismantle the Shame

Fear loses power when it's named out loud. Helping your child articulate what they're afraid of creates emotional distance from the fear and invites clarity.

3. Reinforce Identity Through Effort, Not Outcome

Focus on who your child is becoming through their effort—not whether they win or lose. This reinforces growth and helps them detach from external validation.

4. Small Wins Build Big Confidence

Kids don't need giant leaps to feel successful. Celebrating the little wins builds momentum and reinforces the belief that they can handle what life throws at them.

5. Your Voice Becomes Their Inner Voice

How you speak to your kids—especially when they're struggling—directly influences how they'll talk to themselves when you're not around. Lead with empathy, patience, and strength.

• Car Ride Questions for Kids: thedadedge.com/kidquestions

• Get the Book + Free Courses: https://thedadedge.com/legendarybook

• Episode Show notes: thedadedge.com/1392

If this episode helped you better understand how to guide your child through fear and build real connection, please rate, follow, and share the show. Let's raise brave, grounded, emotionally intelligent kids—together.

Live legendary.