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:Christian ParentingPardon The MessCourtney DeFeoResources from today’s show:Classical ConversationsMike’s websiteThe Positivity ProjectTeam RWBThe Comfort CrisisLeadership is a RelationshipOne Mile Run DocumentaryPardon 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.orgAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy