If you look next to “DeFeo family” in the dictionary - you will not find words like “grit” or “adversity” next to us. Although all families endure some really hard things, we are generally not actively looking for opportunities to experience hardship.


My time with Mike Erwin was fascinating. He really opened my eyes to all the ways we can introduce adversity to our kids and why “comfort” is a really dangerous pursuit as American families.


Mike Erwin is a husband and father living on a 32-acre farm. He is also one of our nation’s heroes - he served as a lead intelligence planner for one of the largest NATO-led combat operations in history and earned two Bronze Star Medals from his tours. You can understand why he is an expert in the subject of adversity - but he’s also a dad raising little ones just like us!


My favorite part is when he encourages us to let our kids struggle. He explains how this can bring incredible confidence that our kids won’t learn any other way.


Connect with Pardon The Mess:


Resources from today’s show:


Pardon The Mess  is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be 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

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode