Raising Resilient Kids and Strong Families
Parenting is often described as chaotic and demanding, but it is also one of the most rewarding leadership roles we will ever undertake. During my conversation on the Dads On Duty podcast, I shared insights into how I balance family life, fitness, and work—and how these priorities intertwine to raise resilient kids while keeping myself and my family strong for life.
Here are the key takeaways from our discussion.
1. Parenting is Leadership
Our children don’t just listen to what we say—they watch what we do. As parents, we lead by example, teaching through actions rather than words. Whether it’s maintaining a healthy lifestyle, tackling challenges, or setting boundaries, every decision we make is a model for how our kids navigate their own lives.
In my TEDx talk earlier this year, I explored this concept deeply: "If you want your kids to value health, fitness, and resilience, you must live those values yourself." Parenting isn’t just about telling—it’s about showing.
2. Building Resilience Through Risk
Resilience is a buzzword in parenting, but what does it really mean? For me, it starts with letting kids take risks. Risky play—climbing trees, exploring outdoors, or even falling—is essential for kids to learn their limits and gain confidence in their abilities.
When my son scrapes his knee or takes a tumble, my first question isn’t, “Why didn’t you listen?” Instead, I ask, “Did you learn something?” Failure is part of growth, and kids who learn to navigate risks become adults who aren’t afraid to face challenges.
3. Fitness is a Family Affair
One of the principles I live by is the "Playground Test": Can you keep up with your kids at the playground? Can you climb, swing, or run with them? If not, it’s time to address your own fitness.
Fitness isn’t about aesthetics—it’s about staying capable and engaged. My son started jiu-jitsu because he saw how much I loved it, and now he’s thriving in his classes. Kids learn from what they see, and being active together strengthens both body and bonds.
4. Creating Healthy Food Habits
Food is one of the trickiest areas of parenting. Our approach? Keep it simple:
Expose them early: Diverse foods during pregnancy and early childhood can broaden taste preferences. In our home, curries and Asian dishes are staples.
Set boundaries: We avoid turning mealtimes into battles. If our kids don’t want the meal we’ve prepared, there’s always a backup (like yogurt and fruit), but dessert isn’t a negotiation.
Teach hunger isn’t bad: It’s okay to let kids feel hungry. This helps them develop a healthy relationship with food and understand that being hungry isn’t an emergency.
5. Balancing Work and Family
With two young boys and a dual-business household, balance is a constant challenge. The key is integration. My kids are part of my routines—they climb on my gym equipment, join outdoor adventures, and even hang out while I work. Parenting isn’t about compartmentalizing your life; it’s about weaving your priorities together.
6. Redefining Success
When asked what success as a parent looks like, I reflected on raising kids who are confident in themselves and unafraid to pursue their passions. Success isn’t about molding them into mini versions of us—it’s about creating an environment where they can explore who they want to be.
This means:
Encouraging independence and creativity.
Setting clear boundaries while allowing freedom within them.
Letting them fail, learn, and grow into resilient adults.
Final Thoughts: Being Present, Not Perfect
Parenting is a journey of learning and adapting. It’s not about perfection but about presence—showing up every day with intention, whether you’re tackling a tantrum, playing at the park, or cooking dinner together.
As I shared on the podcast, "A life without challenges is a life without growth." This applies to both us as parents and to our kids. Let’s embrace the hard moments, lead by example, and build families that are strong for life.
