39 | Nate Piper | The Art of the Trade: Shaping Kids' Trade Skills

The Powerful Parenting Journey

In today's episode of the Powerful Parenting Journey podcast, Stephanie is joined by Nathan Piper, a father of five, as he shares his profound insights on parenting and professional life. Nathan emphasizes the importance of allowing children to experience failure within the safety of the home, preparing them for independence. He passionately speaks about his own journey, highlighting his advocacy for teaching practical skills, from changing light bulbs to handling power tools. His commitment to being a present, loving father, and his belief in the educational value of failure make him a distinctive voice in modern parenting.

Stephanie and Nathan discuss the challenges of parenting across different stages of a child’s life. Nathan reflects on his experience, noting the difference in parenting each child and the importance of supporting their individual paths. He shares personal anecdotes, including a realization that led him to shift his approach with his oldest son, highlighting the importance of listening to children’s interests. They also discuss the struggles of teenage years, with Nathan sharing insights on guiding strong-willed children and helping them navigate identity and authenticity.

Nathan introduces his visionary project, Contour University and Academy, aimed at addressing the gap in practical skills among young people. He discusses the societal shift away from manual skills and the current scarcity of skilled tradespeople. His academy intends to provide young people, especially those not inclined towards traditional academic paths, with the opportunity to learn practical skills and trades. This initiative not only promises to fill a critical gap in the labor market but also aligns with Nathan’s philosophy of empowering the younger generation through hands-on learning and self-discovery.

Enjoy!

What You’ll Learn in this Show:

• The critical role of failure in a child's learning process and the need for parents to support and guide through these experiences.
• How Nathan manages the complexities of being a dedicated father to five children while maintaining a successful professional career.
• Strategies for parents to support and guide children who exhibit strong independence and determination.
• The importance of helping children maintain their true selves and avoid adopting 'masks' to fit in.
• Nathan visionary project, Contour University and Academy, which aims to fill the gap in practical skills among young people.
• The importance of challenging the conventional path of academic success and promoting alternative routes like skilled trades and manual work.
• And much more...