Nobody wants to raise kids who crumble under pressure. Nobody wants their kids to run from life’s challenges, especially in today’s uncertain world. Nobody wants their kids to stall out, stuck just shy of their full potential.
What we do want is to raise kids who rise. Kids who tackle life’s challenges head-on. Kids who not only endure tough moments, but seek out opportunities to grow. And, most importantly, we want to create a family culture that embraces challenges together—whether it’s a fun local 5k, a tricky Lego set, or rallying as a team when life throws something big our way, like a difficult diagnosis or a natural disaster.
But how do we raise kids like that?
As always, by showing, not just telling.
We have to model what it looks like to face struggles with grit and grace. To step toward the problem, not away from it. To keep striving to get better. Our kids are watching, always learning from what we do, not just what we say. If we want them to embrace challenges, we have to show them how it’s done.
The New Year is the perfect chance to lead by example.
What habits will you tackle this year? What goals will you set for yourself? And what fun, meaningful challenge could you take on as a family to set the tone for 2026?
Maybe a polar plunge to spark courage? A hike that stretches everyone’s limits? A family competition to see who can read the most books this year?
Whatever you choose, let your kids see you step up. Let them see you embrace the struggle, wrestle with it, and grow stronger. Show them that challenges aren’t something to fear—they’re opportunities to grow.
If you’re looking for something: The 2026 Daily Stoic New Year, New You Challenge begins in just TWO DAYS. This set of 21 actionable challenges—presented one per day, built around the most time-tested and effective Stoic wisdom—is really a set of 21 choices. Every morning, the email arrives in your inbox, and you have to choose. Will you take the easy way or the hard way? Will you read the email and leave it at that or will you take on the challenge? Will you get better this year?
Be the parent who challenges themselves. Be the parent who shows their kids they can handle it, too. Because when they see you rise to the occasion, they’ll believe they can do it, too.
As Epictetus said: “How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?”
Make 2026 the year you stop dreaming about who you want to be—and start becoming that person.
Join us for the New Year, New You Challenge today. We start January 1, 2026.
