How Do I Push My Kids Out of Their Comfort Zone?
Mon Feb 02 2026
Is your kid afraid to go an aisle away at the grocery store? Perform on stage in front of peers? Get their driver’s license? When do we push them to do things that are good for them? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about encouraging growth in kids by pushing them out of their comfort zones.
Why This Matters
When kids stay in their comfort zones, they delay growth.
Key Takeaways
· Kids crave comfort: For a lot of kids, it’s easier to stick with what is familiar than embrace what is new and unknown.
· Watch your approach: Pushing kids must be done in love. Encourage more than you challenge.
Practical Tips for Dads
1. Push kids only in manageable areas.
2. Remind them that failure is acceptable.
3. Always encourage before, during, and after a push.
4. Push then debrief.
Important Episode Timestamps
00:02:42 – 04:10 | When Parents Are Too Involved in Their Kids’ Lives
04:10 – 05:55 | Why Employers Don’t Want Parents Involved
05:55 – 06:35 | Feeling Incompetent Is Part of Growing Up
06:35 – 07:28 | Freedom Requires Responsibility and Risk
07:28 – 08:26 | Helping Kids Face Fear After Failure
10:33 – 11:55 | How Parents Gradually Get Out of the Way
15:35 – 16:44 | Asking Kids What They Want Out of Life
16:44 – 18:35 | Teaching Teens How to Be Uncomfortable Without Phones
18:59 – 19:18 | Rewarding Kids for Facing Discomfort
21:02 – End | When Pushing Too Hard Can Backfire
APD Pro Move:
Ask your kid, “What is your biggest challenge right now?” Then help them make a plan to overcome that challenge.
All Pro Dad Resources
Episode 59 – How Do We Inspire Motivation in Our Kids?
Episode 86 – Kathleen Edelman: Learn and Leverage Your Kids’ Natural Wiring
Mark Merrill: How To Be Your Child’s Biggest Fan
Dan Orlovsky: 3 Inspiring Ways to Motivate Your Kids
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!
Connect with Us:
Ted Lowe on LinkedIn
Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn
BJ Foster on LinkedIn
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Get All Pro Dad merch!
EXTRAS:
Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)
Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day.
Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.
This episode's blog can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com.
Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.
Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
More
Is your kid afraid to go an aisle away at the grocery store? Perform on stage in front of peers? Get their driver’s license? When do we push them to do things that are good for them? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about encouraging growth in kids by pushing them out of their comfort zones. Why This Matters When kids stay in their comfort zones, they delay growth. Key Takeaways · Kids crave comfort: For a lot of kids, it’s easier to stick with what is familiar than embrace what is new and unknown. · Watch your approach: Pushing kids must be done in love. Encourage more than you challenge. Practical Tips for Dads 1. Push kids only in manageable areas. 2. Remind them that failure is acceptable. 3. Always encourage before, during, and after a push. 4. Push then debrief. Important Episode Timestamps 00:02:42 – 04:10 | When Parents Are Too Involved in Their Kids’ Lives 04:10 – 05:55 | Why Employers Don’t Want Parents Involved 05:55 – 06:35 | Feeling Incompetent Is Part of Growing Up 06:35 – 07:28 | Freedom Requires Responsibility and Risk 07:28 – 08:26 | Helping Kids Face Fear After Failure 10:33 – 11:55 | How Parents Gradually Get Out of the Way 15:35 – 16:44 | Asking Kids What They Want Out of Life 16:44 – 18:35 | Teaching Teens How to Be Uncomfortable Without Phones 18:59 – 19:18 | Rewarding Kids for Facing Discomfort 21:02 – End | When Pushing Too Hard Can Backfire APD Pro Move: Ask your kid, “What is your biggest challenge right now?” Then help them make a plan to overcome that challenge. All Pro Dad Resources Episode 59 – How Do We Inspire Motivation in Our Kids? Episode 86 – Kathleen Edelman: Learn and Leverage Your Kids’ Natural Wiring Mark Merrill: How To Be Your Child’s Biggest Fan Dan Orlovsky: 3 Inspiring Ways to Motivate Your Kids We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! Connect with Us: Ted Lowe on LinkedIn Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn BJ Foster on LinkedIn Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Get All Pro Dad merch! EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter) Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox. This episode's blog can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store. Get great content for moms at iMOM.com