Why Storytelling Shapes a Child’s Confidence, Identity, and Emotional Strength
Fri Feb 06 2026
What helps children stay grounded when they face disappointment, pressure, or failure?
In this episode, I sit down with the author of The Goal of the Game to explore how story, reflection, and shared experience shape a child’s emotional world. Drawing from decades of observing human relationships through sports and storytelling, we talk about what actually builds resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of identity in children. This conversation is especially for parents and homeschooling families who care deeply about raising thoughtful learners, not just high achievers.
We discuss:
Why storytelling plays a powerful role in emotional development
How children make meaning of setbacks in school, sports, and friendships
What helps kids develop resilience without pressure or performance-based worth
How parents and educators can use story and reflection to support children through disappointment
What helps young people feel confident expressing their voice
Where community, mentorship, and belonging fit into raising grounded kids
If you’re focused on nurturing your child’s inner world, not just their outcomes, this episode will resonate.
Check out Harvey's Book
K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources:
Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse
5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse
Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum
Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE
Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE
Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words
Get the first 10 lessons to teach high-frequency words for FREE
FREE Literacy for Littles Ebook
Tuttle Twins Books
Learning with Kelsey Boxes & Resources
More
What helps children stay grounded when they face disappointment, pressure, or failure? In this episode, I sit down with the author of The Goal of the Game to explore how story, reflection, and shared experience shape a child’s emotional world. Drawing from decades of observing human relationships through sports and storytelling, we talk about what actually builds resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of identity in children. This conversation is especially for parents and homeschooling families who care deeply about raising thoughtful learners, not just high achievers. We discuss: Why storytelling plays a powerful role in emotional development How children make meaning of setbacks in school, sports, and friendships What helps kids develop resilience without pressure or performance-based worth How parents and educators can use story and reflection to support children through disappointment What helps young people feel confident expressing their voice Where community, mentorship, and belonging fit into raising grounded kids If you’re focused on nurturing your child’s inner world, not just their outcomes, this episode will resonate. Check out Harvey's Book K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources: Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse 5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words Get the first 10 lessons to teach high-frequency words for FREE FREE Literacy for Littles Ebook Tuttle Twins Books Learning with Kelsey Boxes & Resources