#401: Teaching Children Mental Toughness and Confidence with Joe De Sena and Dr. Lara Pence

Raising resilient kids requires more than just protection from discomfort. It requires teaching them how to move through it with confidence and strength. In this episode, Spartan founder Joe De Sena and clinical psychologist Dr. Lara Pence share the core principles from their book 10 Rules for Resilience for Families and challenge many modern parenting norms. We talk about boundaries, consistency, discipline, movement, nutrition, screen time, and why overparenting can unintentionally create anxiety and insecurity in children. This conversation may stretch you, spark reflection, and encourage meaningful shifts in how you show up as a parent. Take what resonates, leave what does not, and trust yourself as you raise capable, grounded humans.

Topics Covered In This Episode:

• Teaching resilience in children

• Why boundaries create security

• Overparenting and anxious kids

• Building grit and mental toughness

• Raising capable, independent adults

Show Notes:

• Find a Spartan Race near you 

• Follow @realjoedesena on Instagram

• Follow @drlarapence on Instagram

• Read 10 Rules for Resilience Mental Toughness for Families 

• Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell's Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child's number one health advocate!

• Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD's  online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood.

• Listen to today's episode on our website

Joe De Sena is the founder and CEO of Spartan and the Death Race, the world's leading endurance sports and wellness brand with a community over 10 million strong. He is the New York Times bestselling author of three books, Spartan Up!, Spartan Fit, and The Spartan Way. De Sena also hosts the Spartan Up! Podcast, which features weekly interviews with some of the world's greatest minds in business, sports and leadership. His mission—transforming 100 million people through the Spartan lifestyle. More at: www.joedesena.com

Dr. Lara Pence is a clinical psychologist and Chief Mind Doc at Spartan. With a career spanning more than 20 years, Dr. Pence is one of the most sought-after therapists in the community, having served on the Board of Directors for Embody Love Movement and The Elisa Project. In 2018, Dr. Pence founded LIGHFBOX, a company that helps individuals build self-mastery and mental resilience through daily exercises and challenges. Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, the BBC, Glamour, Vogue, WebMD, Psychology Today, and The Huffington Post. More at: www.drlarapence.co

INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can't wait to meet you!

@stephgreunke

@drelanaroumell

Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only.  All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.