Written by Licensed Counselor
30+ Years in Mental Health
Schools & Churches Nationwide
What Does the Bible Say About Parenting?
Much of today's parenting advice teaches us to remove every obstacle from our children's path. Keith argues the opposite: healthy struggle is not the enemy of childhood, it is the very engine of it.
Raising Sturdy Kids shows what godly parents do differently, grounding practical daily decisions in what is transcendent rather than subjective. This engaging, often humorous book equips Christian parents to raise children who are resilient, grounded, and wise, kids who are not only capable, but deeply rooted in truth and grace.
Setting Boundaries with Kids (and Why They Crave Them)
There is a difference between self-confidence and self-esteem, and confusing the two is one of the costliest mistakes in modern parenting. Keith unpacks how confidence is built through contribution and competence, shifting children from consumers to contributors.
- How to set boundaries with kids and hold them with warmth
- Boundaries vs. expectations: knowing which is which
- Christian discipline that shapes character instead of just behavior
- Handling entitlement, technology, and emotional immaturity
- Fostering resilience and emotional maturity at every age
Keith McCurdy
Keith A. McCurdy, MA, EdS is a family and parenting educator, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. A frequent guest on Christian parenting podcasts (including BaseCamp Live), Keith has worked with more than twenty thousand families over nearly forty years in the field of mental health.
He leads "Raising Sturdy Kids" parenting retreats and Christian parenting classes for churches and schools nationwide, helping parents operate from a foundation of what is transcendent rather than subjective.
Watch: Christian Parenting Advice from Keith's Retreats and Podcasts
Keith speaks to thousands of parents each year through his "Raising Sturdy Kids" retreats, Christian parenting classes for schools and churches, and regular appearances on Christian parenting podcasts like BaseCamp Live. Watch a sample of his teaching which is practical, biblical, and often laugh-out-loud honest, and then bring the full message home in the book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are godly parents?
What are godly parents?
Godly parents anchor their decisions in transcendent truth rather than shifting cultural norms — leading with love, consistent boundaries, and a willingness to let children grow through healthy struggle. They focus on shaping character and building resilience rather than shielding children from every discomfort.
How do you build resilience in children?
How do you build resilience in children?
By allowing age-appropriate struggle, assigning real responsibility, and holding steady boundaries. The book covers practical resilience-building steps for every stage, from young kids through raising resilient teens. Confidence comes from competence — and competence comes from doing hard things.
Is this a biblical parenting book?
Is this a biblical parenting book?
Yes — Raising Sturdy Kids applies biblical parenting principles to modern challenges like technology, entitlement, and anxiety, in plain, practical language. It's designed for Christian families who want to ground their parenting in transcendent truth rather than the latest trends.
A Parenting Book for Christian Families, Schools, and Homeschools
Whether you're looking for a Christian parenting book for your own shelf, a parenting study for your small group, or a Christian parenting curriculum for your school community, Raising Sturdy Kids is built for group and individual use alike.