Raising Strong Kids in a Soft World: Inspired by The Obstacle Is the Way- With Bansari Shah
In this episode of The Parenting Wisdom Podcast, I sit down with Bansari Shah, MA and CPLC—educator, certified life coach, Director of Outreach at Acton Academy Essex, and parent of two. Our conversation centers on building mental resilience, confidence, and strong character in our children by allowing them to face and grow through challenge.
Inspired by the book The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday, we explore the powerful idea that adversity can be the path to growth, and how this philosophy comes to life inside Acton Academy’s walls and at home.
🔍 In this episode, we discuss:
- How Acton Academy uses the Socratic method to foster independent thinking
- The value of letting kids struggle, fail, and figure things out for themselves
- Why mental resilience is often missing today—and how we can help rebuild it
- The importance of action over rumination: helping kids (and parents) move forward
- How to identify and challenge faulty thinking patterns
- Why modeling resilience is one of the most powerful tools we have as parents
- Using the hero’s journey to frame life’s challenges as meaningful missions
- Embracing imperfection while still teaching the value of doing your best
🧭 This episode is a reminder that the path to strength isn’t about removing obstacles—it’s about learning to face them with courage and clarity.
✨ Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone passionate about raising strong, resilient kids—you’ll find so much wisdom in this conversation.
Check out this free guide for raising mentally strong kids: bit.ly/actonguide
Follow Acton Essex on IG: https://www.instagram.com/actonacademyessex/
Check out this free guide for raising mentally strong kids: bit.ly/actonguide
Follow Acton Essex on IG: https://www.instagram.com/actonacademyessex/
🎧 Listen now and share with a friend who’s navigating parenting with purpose!
