https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts daily 0.75 2024-06-18 https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/https/basecamp-livesimplecastcom/episodes/dont-freak-out-tfs7h-hatzf-yxk6x-79h8y monthly 0.5 2024-06-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601944831427-BEZN7TGHAPODO0GVKWG2/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Podcasts - Controlling Chaos in the Home Ever feel like you're juggling too many balls, only to realize they're actually flaming torches? You're not alone; we all face the pandemonium of modern life, particularly in our homes and schools. In this episode, Davies Owens sits down with the insightful Keith McCurdy to share experiences and offer tangible strategies to those grappling with the chaos of daily life. Their conversation revolves around the false narrative that equates busyness with success, the overlooked value of stillness, and how this hustle culture impacts our mental well-being and the upbringing of our children. McCurdy, with his remarkable expertise in counseling, delves into the art of setting 'big rocks'—identifying and upholding our top life priorities to achieve serenity amidst the storm. We emphasize the profound effects of establishing structured routines for children, particularly on weekends, to teach them responsibility and respect for their own spaces. Schools are not exempt from this cultural shift; we discuss their vital role in fostering environments where students learn to take pride in their surroundings through accountability. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for parents and educators looking to cultivate order and accountability, ensuring the next generation thrives even when life feels like a whirlwind. https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/https/basecamp-livesimplecastcom/episodes/dont-freak-out-tfs7h-hatzf-yxk6x monthly 0.5 2024-06-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601944831427-BEZN7TGHAPODO0GVKWG2/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Podcasts - Resetting Baselines What happens when we take the time to truly reset the lives of our young ones, especially those grappling with behavioral and learning issues? Join us as we delve into an enriching conversation with the seasoned Keith McCurdy, who after visiting over 40 schools, discusses the shared aspiration of parents and school leaders to offer better guidance to children. We debunk the myth that emotions are the core of identity and shed light on the crucial impact of nurturing healthy, Christ-centered families. Are you curious about the effects of technology and social media on our attention, especially with teenagers? As we walk through this digital maze, McCurdy shares the importance of cultivating healthy habits like prioritizing sleep and regular meal times. As we continue, we spotlight the role parents play in establishing structure, guide their children, and the positive ripple effects it has on family functioning and academic performance. Our exploration doesn't stop there. We venture into the uncharted territory of parenting in the digital age, highlighting the influence of technology and social media on children and families. We discuss the necessity of setting boundaries and reassessing the impact of technology with a 90-day break. McCurdy emphasizes the evaluation of its benefits and costs as we strive towards a less distracted life. So, join us, be a part of this conversation, and take up the challenge to share your success stories after implementing these approaches. https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/https/basecamp-livesimplecastcom/episodes/dont-freak-out-tfs7h-hatzf monthly 0.5 2024-06-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601944831427-BEZN7TGHAPODO0GVKWG2/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Podcasts - Raising Mature Kids Unravel the profound secrets of nurturing a mature and responsible young generation in our enlightening conversation with Christian counselor, Keith McCurdy. This podcast is set to equip you with valuable insights and solutions to tackle the challenges parents and teachers face daily, especially during stressful times. Together, we delve into how we can provide ample resources, training, and coaching to aid parents in raising their children in a healthier and more balanced way. We initiate a tough yet crucial discourse about the tension between school and church, and the predicament families face as they navigate uncharted territories in their search for guidance. The discussion further ventures into the unhealthy goals imposed on parents and the rising levels of anxiety and depression in children, despite access to numerous resources, services, and opportunities. We redefine parenting goals, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and setting norms and standards for our children. The podcast culminates with a profound exploration of the concept of maturity and its correlation with struggle. We discuss the significance of understanding right from wrong, and the fragility and value of emotions in fostering maturity. Delving into practical ways of nurturing these components in children and teaching them to lead a righteous life even when it is challenging, we stress the importance of a slow approach, self-discovery, and the use of empathy and authority in guiding them. Brace yourselves for an essential conversation on raising the next generation. https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/https/basecamp-livesimplecastcom/episodes/dont-freak-out-tfs7h monthly 0.5 2024-06-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601944831427-BEZN7TGHAPODO0GVKWG2/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Podcasts - Raising Sturdy Kids In this episode of Basecamp Live, Keith McCurdy discusses the single biggest issue confronting children today and how parents and educators can address it wisely. Drawing from his experiences working with youth and families across the country, Keith provides unique observations and perspectives on this important issue. Join host Davies Owens as they explore ancient future education for raising the next generation. Don't miss this insightful conversation on positioning the next generation to truly flourish. https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/https/basecamp-livesimplecastcom/episodes/dont-freak-out monthly 0.5 2021-09-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601944831427-BEZN7TGHAPODO0GVKWG2/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Podcasts - Don’t Freak Out! What is going on in the world today? Just when we think we have seen it or heard it all, we are hit with another crazy curveball. A quick glance at the news often leaves us to say, “can you believe this?” Leaving our fears inflamed, yet we are called as Christ-followers to be faithful, confident, and to model well to our children and students how to live boldly, without fear or anxiety. Easier said than done. It seems much easier to just “freak out.” Marriage and family counselor Keith McCurdy, a BaseCamp Live regular, is back to offer some wise and calming words, some fascinating new statistics, and some practical strategies for navigating whatever life throws at us. https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/patriot-podcast-episode-019-parenting-well-in-a-pandemic-mt36b-g9pn4-3z7np monthly 0.5 2021-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601944831427-BEZN7TGHAPODO0GVKWG2/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Podcasts - Entitled or Grateful? Choices Before the Next Generation Selfish or selfless? Entitled or blessed? Increasingly, children are raised in a world revolving around them, creating attitudes of “I-deserve-it-because-I-exist.” The world celebrates entitlement through everyday messages from social media and endless advertisements. Indulging children can seem the easiest path in the moment, but long-term, excessive indulgences lead to adults who are disillusioned, angry, quick to play the victim card, and dismissive of authority, both human and divine. Keith McCurdy is back to share practical and wise guidance on raising the next generation at home and in the classroom to live with gratitude and wisdom. Join me for this conversation with Keith McCurdy, who is back for this episode of BCL! https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/patriot-podcast-episode-019-parenting-well-in-a-pandemic-mt36b-g9pn4 monthly 0.5 2021-02-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601944831427-BEZN7TGHAPODO0GVKWG2/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Podcasts - Not Forgetting COVID Learning We have been living in a COVID world for over a year now, the impact it has made on how we live life, our attitudes, habits, and fears are extensive. Are there specific things we can do in our homes and schools to help us get back to healthy living more quickly and parents and teachers? And, how are Christian and classically educated young people in a better position to not only survive but thrive in a COVID and the post-COVID world? It is good news! Join me for this conversation with Keith McCurdy, who is back for this episode of BCL! https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/patriot-podcast-episode-019-parenting-well-in-a-pandemic monthly 0.5 2021-02-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601930646370-OKV97RNZIS9B9BYWMCFI/Patriot+Podcast+Album+Art.png Podcasts - Patriot Podcast - Episode 019 - Parenting Well in a Pandemic Listen and be encouraged as Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Keith McCurdy speaks directly to the Covenant Community on how we can parent well - even in the midst of a pandemic. https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/patriot-podcast-episode-019-parenting-well-in-a-pandemic-mt36b monthly 0.5 2020-10-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601944831427-BEZN7TGHAPODO0GVKWG2/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Podcasts - Staying Off The Merry Go Round As Society Reopens & Speeds Up ~ Keith McCurdy What have we learned from living through the pandemic? Sure, there have been challenges, but also some wonderful discoveries of taking time with family, slowing down, and sharing activities that had been lost in the frenetic shuffle of life. Now, as society reopens, hopefully sooner rather than later, are we going to jump back on the treadmill? In this encouraging episode, Keith McCurdy offers us wisdom on how to protect and embrace the positive new habits and traditions that we started in our marriages, with our children, at school, and in our faith. https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/patriot-podcast-episode-019-parenting-well-in-a-pandemic-mt36b-cr4y6 monthly 0.5 2022-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601945183028-M6X6QF8Z0QD7CJDNISQS/The+Weight+of+Fatherhood.jpeg Podcasts - The Challenges of Modern Fatherhood In this premiere episode of The Weight of Fatherhood, Brian Phillips is joined by counselor and speaker Keith McCurdy to discuss the challenges of modern fatherhood, various family struggles, and building sturdy kids. https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/patriot-podcast-episode-019-parenting-well-in-a-pandemic-mt36b-2hzht monthly 0.5 2020-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601944831427-BEZN7TGHAPODO0GVKWG2/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Podcasts - Teaching Kids To Roll With The Changes… As School Reopens ~ Keith McCurdy Which age groups are having the toughest time as school reopens this side of the pandemic? Keith McCurdy is back to address what all students are most worried about and how should parents and teachers respond. In this timely episode, Keith suggests strategies to help kids lean in, understand their new environments, and roll with the changes as they return to school. Listen in to help students of all ages navigate this new world. https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/patriot-podcast-episode-019-parenting-well-in-a-pandemic-mt36b-2hzht-t4flh monthly 0.5 2020-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601944831427-BEZN7TGHAPODO0GVKWG2/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Podcasts - Going The Distance! PART 4: Building A Pandemic-Proof Marriage ~ Keith McCurdy Someone once said, “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” But Keith McCurdy believes it’s the marriage, not mama, that we need to be concerned about. In fact, McCurdy shows how a family’s greatest tool to navigate the Pandemic is marriage. But what if your relationship isn’t as strong as it could be? And this shutdown has added extra burdens? McCurdy’s positive and practical steps can help. This last episode of our Going the Distance series will encourage you if you are already feeling supported…or help you reset and come out of this Pandemic stronger than ever. Listen in! https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/patriot-podcast-episode-019-parenting-well-in-a-pandemic-mt36b-2hzht-t4flh-dfea8 monthly 0.5 2020-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601944831427-BEZN7TGHAPODO0GVKWG2/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Podcasts - Going The Distance! PART 3 of 4: Young Adults…There And Back Again ~ Keith McCurdy High school seniors’ graduation plans have been hijacked and many college kids are back home due to the Pandemic. So how do we maximize this gift of being together 24/7 while respecting their need for independence? Counselor Keith McCurdy addresses these specific age groups in Part 3 of our Going the Distance Series. Learn how parents can help these little birdies who want to fly the nest…but are temporarily “there and back again.” https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/patriot-podcast-episode-019-parenting-well-in-a-pandemic-mt36b-2hzht-t4flh-dfea8-6hf7x monthly 0.5 2020-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601944831427-BEZN7TGHAPODO0GVKWG2/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Podcasts - Going The Distance! PART 2 of 4: Teachers Save The Day ~ Keith McCurdy During the Pandemic, classical Christian teachers have no option except to teach online. Many are frustrated with the new platform, feeling self-doubt and missing their students. So how do teachers save the day for students without losing their own minds? And what is appropriate and inappropriate now when connecting online? Speaking directly to classical Christian teachers, counselor Keith McCurdy points teachers away from unhealthy mechanisms and toward a freedom to engage in something that’s a little more clunky right now. Listen in! https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/patriot-podcast-episode-019-parenting-well-in-a-pandemic-mt36b-2hzht-t4flh-dfea8-6hf7x-7x8yx-8y9km monthly 0.5 2020-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601944831427-BEZN7TGHAPODO0GVKWG2/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Podcasts - Going The Distance! PART 1 of 4: Grammar School Kids At Home ~ Keith McCurdy Are you losing your mind or loving these extended days at home? Either way, you don’t want to miss this episode! Our four part series, Going the Distance, begins today. In light of the quarantine we are currently experiencing due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, our resident counselor Keith McCurdy offers practical advice to parents of grammar school-aged kids. Learn how to better avoid chaos, partner with your child’s school, entertain grammar school kids (or not!), and reclaim this unique time. Touching on stories he’s seen in the lives of his own clients who are struggling in these areas, McCurdy helps us redeem these days in quarantine with little ones. https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/patriot-podcast-episode-019-parenting-well-in-a-pandemic-mt36b-2hzht-t4flh-dfea8-6hf7x-7x8yx-zb364 monthly 0.5 2020-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601944831427-BEZN7TGHAPODO0GVKWG2/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Podcasts - Surviving The Pandemic At Home with Kids: 5 Tips To Avoid Chaos ~ Keith McCurdy As schools lock their doors and families stay home together, parents are asking urgent questions: How do we survive in this world turned upside down due to Covid-19? How do we make the most of it? And how do we help our children not fear what is going on? Counselor Keith McCurdy shares his top five tips for thriving – not just surviving – during our new reality of being together 24/7. Redeem the time! Find out how on today’s episode! Your family will be stronger for it! https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/patriot-podcast-episode-019-parenting-well-in-a-pandemic-mt36b-2hzht-t4flh-dfea8-6hf7x-7x8yx monthly 0.5 2020-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601944831427-BEZN7TGHAPODO0GVKWG2/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Podcasts - Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda… Getting Rid of Parenting Regrets ~ Keith McCurdy Parents, have you ever bemoaned, “I should…”, “I would…” or “I could have…”? Did you fall for trendy parenting advice that was proven invalid? Ever lost your temper? Mix in the high standards of the classical Christian model and we can set ourselves up for disappointment. Most parents – and teachers, too – wish they could could go back in time and change some of their decisions. But don’t beat yourself up. In today’s episode, Keith McCurdy helps us replace regret and guilt with grace and confidence. Thankfully, it is never too late to influence your children…even when they’re grown.nky right now. Listen in! https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/practical-parenting-so-kids-stay-grounded-in-a-spinning-world-keith-mccurdy monthly 0.5 2020-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601342220408-6UGWEY361L419U68L7UC/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Podcasts - Practical Parenting… So Kids Stay Grounded In A Spinning World — Keith McCurdy Today, more voices than ever give us parenting advice…yet we have a poverty of wisdom when it comes to parenting the way God designed. In this interview, Keith McCurdy highlights the most common parenting struggles and current cultural and psychological dynamics he sees in his counseling practice. He points us back to to the order God put in place so that kids can function best in this challenging world. Every family will benefit from the practical and timeless advice he offers. https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/the-commons-keith-mccurdy-on-the-value-of-struggle monthly 0.5 2020-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1602089765187-8D8LKCA7M6FNK6LT9GS3/The+Commons+Abum+Cover.jpeg Podcasts - The Commons: Keith McCurdy on the Value of Struggle Brian Phillips is joined by Keith McCurdy, President and CEO of Total Life Counseling in Roanoke, Virginia. In addition to his over 30 years of counseling experience, Mr. McCurdy has spoken at the annual conferences for the Society for Classical Learning (SCL) and the Association of Christian and Classical Schools (ACCS). In this episode, Brian and Keith discuss the value of struggle, how hardship makes us stronger, and how those truths can be applied by parents and teachers alike. https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/practical-parenting-so-kids-stay-grounded-in-a-spinning-world-keith-mccurdy-rayxj monthly 0.5 2020-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601342220408-6UGWEY361L419U68L7UC/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Podcasts - Step Boldly into Your Child’s Emotional World – Keith McCurdy Emotions are the leading indicator of how young people see themselves today. But when parents and educators dismiss emotions altogether as unreliable and even dangerous, fireworks can ignite. Should we step into the emotional world of a child? And how? In this episode, Counselor Keith McCurdy offers parents and teachers sound advice about shaping your children’s perceptions so that emotions are put in their proper place https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/practical-parenting-so-kids-stay-grounded-in-a-spinning-world-keith-mccurdy-rayxj-xyky4 monthly 0.5 2020-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601342220408-6UGWEY361L419U68L7UC/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Podcasts - Wimpy or Worn Out? Finding the balance between indulging or burning out our children – Keith McCurdy Classical Christian kids are asked to give a lot of their time and mental energy to school and life in general. Parents can make the mistake of being too sympathetic (“oh, so sorry for your hard day at school…”) and risk making our kids soft, or we can fail to understand the real pressures and risk burning them out. Are they wimpy or worn out? And how can we let them have more ownership in their responsibilities and even require more? Ultimately, our life satisfaction is tied to our children’s ability to know they are valuable, are capable, and have a place to belong in this world. How we direct them with their work and responsibilities can make a real difference in how they answer those questions positively. https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/practical-parenting-so-kids-stay-grounded-in-a-spinning-world-keith-mccurdy-rayxj-xyky4-hp27f monthly 0.5 2020-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601342220408-6UGWEY361L419U68L7UC/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Podcasts - The Scary Trend Skyrocketing In Today’s Teens Keith McCurdy has counseled more than 12,000 families in the last 25 years and logged more than 75,000 clinical hours. . From his unique perspective he sees a mysterious trend… while the quality of life and opportunities are improving for most first world Americans and their kids, anxiety and depression rates are spiking. It seems counter intuitive. Shouldn’t everyone be more happy? Keith gives practical advice on what parents can and should do in light of his findings. https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/practical-parenting-so-kids-stay-grounded-in-a-spinning-world-keith-mccurdy-rayxj-xyky4-hp27f-mh473 monthly 0.5 2020-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1602099758165-D03VEMFNC55EBTD8WPQ4/The+Commons+Abum+Cover.jpeg Podcasts - The Commons #18: Further Thoughts on Building Sturdy Children (with Keith McCurdy) In this episode of The Commons, Brian Phillips chats with Dr. Keith McCurdy (M.A., Ed.S.) of Total Life Counseling, about raising sturdy kids. Topics include why parents are so interested in this topic, why struggle is good for children, advice for parent/teacher relationships, the value of academic struggle, growing sturdy children in the homeschool, children and technology, and more. https://www.livesturdy.com/podcasts/the-commons-keith-mccurdy-on-the-value-of-struggle-xfm7z monthly 0.5 2020-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1602089765187-8D8LKCA7M6FNK6LT9GS3/The+Commons+Abum+Cover.jpeg Podcasts - The Commons #12: On Building Sturdy Children In this episode of The Commons, Brian Phillips chats with Dr. Keith McCurdy (M.A., Ed.S.) of Total Life Counseling, about raising sturdy kids. Topics include our culture's over-consideration of emotion, what it means to be sturdy, expectations and responsibilities, increased rates of anxiety in our children, dealing with teenagers, the influence of technology on kids, and how to help kids be contributing members of a family. https://www.livesturdy.com/home daily 1.0 2024-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601505542564-ITFGUS649YC4HPZ8IQXZ/pexels-gantas-vaic%CC%8Ciule%CC%87nas-4484242.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601505967074-U8UWTHYGOPVULEF5XHWL/pexels-yaroslav-shuraev-4762467.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601502191707-QXNQSA93U9C1BT78VJ6U/image-asset.jpeg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1609725969496-YOFDNWW05MFGF9USR26H/IMG_3943%2B4.jpg Home Portrait of elegant therapist wearing suit standing holding coffee cup and a folder and looking at camera. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1602189360650-7KFS9MB6MAQXXT2K45C3/The+Commons+Abum+Cover.jpeg Home Pretty Caucasian woman at the beach smiling at camera. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1602189313804-ZG9M29Q0PUW6E8A9AD3I/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Home Happy smiling woman with curly hair lounging on couch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1601501202014-OA99IHQCRY1IQAQ31STL/Basecamp+Live+Album+Cover.jpg Home Bright natural dining room nook with vases plates and fruits on the table. https://www.livesturdy.com/about daily 0.75 2024-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1603461210137-D1LFL6YFJNMTCE2N87Q5/IMG_3404.jpg About - The Value of Struggle As we have gone further down the road of embracing the “therapeutic” approach to parenting, we have lost both our ability to parent well and raise children who can handle the normal rigors of life. When parents, knowingly or unknowingly, minimize natural disappointments for their children, or intervene to rescue them from difficulty or relational conflict, they win a short-term victory at the cost of a much larger long-term goal. In the moment, easy feels great, but struggle is inherently uncomfortable and often upsetting to children. The reality is that struggle is required in order for children to grow into “sturdy adults” – adults who can face life’s challenges with maturity, resilience and perseverance. If we want our children to be able to do hard things, we must allow them to struggle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1609724636126-2FMMAZ3WZ6SX8N7SGIJI/jd0hS7Vhn_A.jpg About The irony is that despite all the effort we spend trying to make our children happy, what we are actually accomplishing is ensuring they are fragile and will never be able to experience true joy. When people are fragile, they shy away from difficulty and challenge in order to protect themselves. But this means they miss out on the richest experiences life has to offer. Fragile people can’t handle the rigors of relationships and life, so they can’t experience true joy. The cycle perpetuates itself through generations. Adults who did not learn to struggle well themselves will raise children who do not know how to struggle well. The impacts of this progression are felt not only by individuals and families, but society at large. Children who learn to struggle well throughout their school-age years will grow up to be the natural leaders of the next generation. The eventual outcome of embracing the “therapeutic” paradigm is a student body and parent community that is naturally averse to being challenged, working hard, and struggling to truly contemplate that which is True, Beautiful, and Good. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2de69f6e3350363c5dc2f9/1609725852719-B2KOB3H629I0GC1DCGFV/IMG_3943%2B4.jpg About - Keith A. McCurdy, M.A., Ed. S I am a Family and Parenting Educator and Consultant, as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Virginia. I have worked with families, children, parents, and individuals for over 30 years in the field of mental health. I provide consulting and coaching services nationally on improving parenting skills, building strong marriages, maintaining healthy relationships, leadership training, and addressing corporate stress management. I have developed and regularly offer parenting retreats entitled “Raising Sturdy Kids” to help parents operate from the correct paradigm with their children and have extended and customized this powerful program for schools and students. I also provide counseling services in person and via teletherapy throughout the state of Virginia at Total Life Counseling, Inc. I received my Master of Arts and Education Specialist degrees from James Madison University. I am currently the President and Founder of Live Sturdy, LLC, and President and CEO of Total Life Counseling, Inc. For many years I have been a consultant and speaker nationally to businesses, churches, and schools (public, private, faith based and within the world of Classical Education.) I previously served as Chairman of the Board at Faith Christian School, a Christian classical school in Roanoke, VA. I am a regular contributor on the BaseCamp Live podcast, with multiple interviews, and the “McCurdy Moment” segments, as well as being featured on the Circe Institute’s podcast “The Commons” and “Crosspolitic.” My primary focus is helping others better understand how a Therapeutic worldview, and often psychology itself, has worked to undermine morality, healthy family functioning, and our ability to equip our children to thrive in this world. A significant part of my work is helping parents understand the needed benefit of allowing their children to struggle to learn to do hard things. 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