Raising Boys Building Men/Parenting Solutions For Moms And Boys

What's in Today's Episode Three messy, real-life Christmas disasters, a tree broken in half, a double case of pink eye, and rage cleaning on Christmas Eve that taught me the one thing that actually matters during the holidays. Spoiler: it's not the perfectly wrapped presents or the spotless house. Why You Care You're exhausted. You're trying to make the holidays magical while managing a teenage son who may or may not be cooperating. You're wondering if all this effort even matters. This episode gives you permission to let go of what doesn't matter and hold onto what does so you can actually enjoy the holidays with your boy instead of surviving them. How This Episode Helps You Learn the three powerful questions that will help you navigate holiday chaos without losing your mind or your connection with your son. Discover what your teenage boy will actually remember in 20 years (hint: it's not the clean house). Get practical permission to lower your standards on the things that don't build memories and raise them on the things that do. Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

What's in Today's Episode: This week before Christmas, we're cutting through the noise. I'm giving you permission to stop chasing the impossible "do it all" standard and showing you a better way to measure success, one that actually strengthens your connection with your teenage son instead of breaking it. Why You Care: Because you're exhausted. You're juggling gifts, schedules, programs, last-minute school projects, and trying to keep everyone happy while running on empty. And deep down, you're wondering if you're failing because you can't keep all the plates spinning. Spoiler: You're not failing. You're just chasing something that doesn't exist. How This Episode Helps: You'll learn how to redefine success based on seasons (not balance), let go of perfectionism that's killing your connection, and show up as the authentic mom your son actually needs. I'm giving you specific questions to ask yourself and a framework that makes parenting lighter, your home calmer, and your relationship with your teen stronger without adding more to your to-do list. Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

Discover the real reason your teenage son complains more during busy seasons (hint: it's not ingratitude), plus 5 practical strategies to respond with connection instead of combat. We're breaking down the neuroscience behind his pushback, when complaints spike the most, and exactly what to say when he's melting down over something that seems ridiculous. Why You Care Because you're working so hard to make things special for your family, and when your son complains about dinner or the WiFi going out, it feels personal. You're tired of the same arguments every day, walking on eggshells, and wondering why he can't just appreciate what you're doing. You want connection with him, not constant conflict. How This Episode Helps You This episode gives you a completely different lens to see his complaining, not as defiance or ingratitude, but as communication from an overwhelmed nervous system. You'll learn the 5 hidden reasons behind his complaints (overstimulation, lost independence, brain development, poor communication skills, and lack of ownership) and get specific scripts to de-escalate tension in under 5 minutes. No more resentment. No more taking it personally. Just practical tools that create lasting change.   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

Every mom has a picture in her mind of how motherhood will feel… and then real life shows up. Today’s conversation goes deep into something most moms of teenage boys feel but rarely name: grief in motherhood, specifically, the kind that comes from expectations not matching reality. In this episode, Heidi sits down with Margo Fordonski, a master-certified life coach and grief educator, to talk about non-death grief, the grief that comes when your son makes choices you didn’t expect, when connection feels harder than you thought it would, or when you miss the little boy who used to curl up on your lap. You’ll learn why this grief is normal, how it silently affects your relationship, and how to move through it so you can reconnect with your teenage son without shame, panic, or over-controlling. You’ll hear practical, compassionate strategies for creating connection, holding boundaries, and staying grounded even when your heart aches.   Guest Details and gift: Margo Fordonski is a Master Certified Life Coach, Certified Grief Educator, and a twice-bereaved parent. After losing both of her children—most recently her son Andrew, who lived with brain cancer for 24 years—Margo has walked the long, complex path of grief firsthand. Her personal journey led her to a powerful calling: to support other mothers navigating life after the unthinkable. Margo helps grieving moms find peace, resilience, and renewed hope—not by “moving on,” but by learning how to carry their grief with love. Her 1:1 coaching approach is deeply personalized, meeting each mother where she is with compassionate guidance and tools that support nervous system regulation, emotional processing, and holistic healing. She guides her clients in healing at their own pace, rediscovering who they are now, and gently rebuilding a life that honors both their child and their continued growth. Her work is trauma-informed, heart-led, and rooted in the belief that grief is not something to fix—it’s something to tend to with care, courage, and support. Through her coaching, writing, and lived witness, Margo offers a safe and understanding space for grieving moms to feel less overwhelmed, more connected to themselves, and begin to rebuild a life that holds both sorrow and joy   Make sure to grab Margo's FREE Holiday Grief Support Guide HERE   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

If one more person tells you to “just practice more self-care,” you might lose it, and honestly? Same. This week’s episode of Raising Boys, Building Men takes that guilt-filled phrase and flips it on its head. In today’s conversation, we dig into why traditional self-care often feels impossible for moms of teenage boys and why it’s NOT the answer you actually need. Instead, we talk about self-awareness,  the simple, doable shift that keeps you from drowning, even during the busiest seasons of motherhood. You’ll hear the story of the moment Heidi realized she had completely lost herself (yes… the crying-in-the-car moment) and the three self-awareness practices that helped her take her power back: This episode will help you breathe again no spa days required. Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

Parenting your teenage son used to be fun, the laughter, the easy connection, the hugs. Now it feels like silence, arguments, or distance. You wonder if you’ve messed something up. In this episode, Heidi unpacks why parenting stops feeling fun and how uncertainty steals your joy. You’ll learn the one mindset shift that will change everything, plus three ways to bring joy and connection back into your relationship right now. You’ll hear real client stories, science-backed insight, and a heart-to-heart reminder that you and your son really are going to be okay. 👉 Listen in to discover how to bring fun and freedom back to motherhood, even when your teen’s behavior feels unpredictable.   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

Balance sounds amazing, but it often feels impossible. Between work, schedules, and trying to actually sleep, most moms feel like they’re failing somewhere. In this episode, Heidi talks with leadership coach Denise Tallcott, founder of Working Moms Redefined, about what balance really looks like and how to stop beating yourself up for not “doing it all.” They unpack the truth behind mom guilt, how to give yourself permission to parent differently than your mom did, and why defining your own version of success brings peace and connection at home (especially with teenage sons). Denise also shares her simple “9 Minutes a Day for a Lifetime of Connection” framework;  three small moments that can change everything - Grab it HERE If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or “not enough,” this one’s for you.   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE   More about Denise:   For more information about Denise visit:  Workingmomsredefined.com

What happens when we make life too easy for our boys? In this episode, Heidi shares the powerful truth behind a phrase her husband told her years ago: “Spoiled boys make weak men.” This isn’t about judgment or shame it’s about awareness. Heidi walks through the research on how overindulgence, overparenting, and avoiding conflict weaken a boy’s ability to grow into a capable, resilient man. You’ll learn three practical ways to help your son develop strength and responsibility whil e keeping connection front and center. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I helping too much?” or felt guilty saying no, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and permission to raise a boy who can handle life with confidence. Listen now to get your courage back and rediscover the joy in raising strong sons.   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE  

Do you ever look at your teenage son and think, “He’s capable of so much more, what’s stopping him?” You’re not alone. In this episode of Raising Boys, Building Men, Heidi shares the truth about confidence.  And it’s not built by pep talks or praise. It’s built through experience. You’ll learn three powerful ways to help your teenage son strengthen his confidence and self-esteem without nagging, rescuing, or pushing: Let him struggle safely (and why that matters) Give him meaningful responsibility Encourage him to serve others These small but powerful shifts will help your son develop grit, self-trust, and a sense of purpose which is the real foundation of confidence.   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

If you’ve ever taken your son’s phone away and watched him lose it, you are not alone. In this episode of Raising Boys, Building Men, Heidi sits down with screen-time expert and mom of five, Andrea Davis, founder of Better Screen Time. Together, they talk about what healthy tech boundaries really look like, how to know if your son is ready for a phone, and how to stop parenting from fear when it comes to screens. You’ll learn practical ways to set limits, build trust, and create a family tech plan that actually works. Plus, Andrea shares a free self-evaluation tool for parents and teens to decide if now is the right time for a device. This isn’t about control it’s about connection, confidence, and protecting what matters most.   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE   More about Andrea: For  more information about Andrea and Better screen time, to grab your free pintable's, and to join "The Hub" click HERE 

One year ago, Heidi hit “record” on the very first episode of Raising Boys, Building Men with one goal: to give moms of boys a voice of truth and hope. Since then, she’s talked with psychologists, educators, and hundreds of moms who are all asking the same question: Will my son be okay? Am I doing enough? In this special anniversary episode, Heidi shares the five biggest lessons she’s learned after a year of podcasting. You’ll hear why boys are struggling, what moms often misunderstand, and how much power you actually hold in your son’s life. If you’ve ever blamed yourself for your son’s struggles, wondered if you’re doing it right, or simply needed a reminder that you’re not alone, this episode is for you. Listen now to hear the truths every mom of boys needs to know.   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE  

Does your teenage son shrug his shoulders and mutter, “I don’t care” whenever you ask about school, friends, or the future? You are not alone and it’s not as hopeless as it feels. In today’s episode of Raising Boys, Building Men, Heidi unpacks what’s really happening when your son seems totally checked out. Spoiler: it’s almost always one of two things. You’ll learn how to tell the difference, and more importantly, how to respond in a way that draws him closer instead of pushing him further away. Heidi also shares three practical “mom moves” that help you connect with your son without nagging, pressuring, or fueling power struggles. If you’ve ever felt rejected by your son’s indifference, this episode will help you breathe easier and rebuild the connection you’re craving. 👉 Links mentioned in today’s episode: DO NOT miss out on our new 6-week group, "Unlock His Motivation".  Click HERE to register.  This group will be kept small and is first come, first served.   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

Feeling like you and your partner are parenting from different planets? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into why different parenting styles aren't the problem you think they are, when misalignment becomes dangerous, and practical ways to create a united front even when you don't always agree.   Your teenage son is watching every interaction between you and your co-parent. When parenting differences turn into open conflict, it creates insecurity and gives him cracks to exploit. But here's the good news: your son actually needs both perspectives to develop stronger problem-solving skills and resilience. In this episode you will: Learn the difference between healthy parenting differences and harmful conflict Discover 5 practical strategies to align on the big stuff without losing your authenticity Stop wasting energy trying to change your co-parent and focus where your influence is greatest Create peace in your home instead of constant parenting battles   🛑 DO NOT MISS joining our 6-week beta group - 'Unlock His Motivation'.  Get the details and register HERE   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

What's in Today's Episode Three powerhouse coaches—Molly Claire, Michelle Keil, and Maria Hendershot share their expertise on ditching the hustle culture, finding joy through creativity, and reclaiming your sense of self. We dive deep into why your relationship with yourself is the foundation for everything else, including raising confident sons who will become respectful men. Why This Matters to You Your teenage son is watching how you live, how you treat yourself, and what you prioritize. When you're constantly hustling, overwhelmed, and putting everyone else first, you're teaching him that's what adulthood looks like. But when you model self-care, boundaries, and joy? You're raising a man who will carry those values into his future relationships. Stop feeling guilty about taking care of yourself. This episode gives you permission and practical tools to slow down, reconnect with who you are, and show your son what healthy self-respect looks like. You'll learn simple ways to regulate your nervous system, find joy in small moments, and break the cycle of perfectionism that's exhausting you. Click HERE to get on the waitlist for "She Rises: Insights and wisdom from the women of the masterful coach collective"   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE   More About Our Amazing Guests Molly Claire:  Molly Claire is a 7-figure business builder, best- selling author of The Happy Mom Mindset, founder of The Masterful Coach Collective, and a single mom of 3. Molly has been featured on podcasts and stages across the U.S. for interviews and speaking engagements. She is best known for her ability to empower women to believe in their abilities and take the steps needed to create their dream business. She has a passion for helping women learn how to make more money while working less and making time for what matters most in their personal lives.  Get more at Mollyclaire.com   Maria Hendershot: Maria Hendershot is a master certified life coach who helps burned-out moms reclaim energy, joy, and purpose. With a background in life, health, and wellness coaching, she blends mindset, habits, and nervous system work in her 90-Day Joyful Reinvention Program to create lasting change. A longtime homeschooling mom of 20+ years, Maria helps women feel good enough to dream again—and bold enough to live a life they once thought was out of reach.  Get more at Joyfulreinvention.com   Michelle Keil: Michelle Keil, affectionately known as The Doodle Coach, is a Master Certified Holistic Coach and the creator of a unique coaching method who helps overwhelmed women quiet their inner critic, lighten their emotional load, and reconnect with who they truly are—through the surprisingly powerful tool of doodling. Her playful yet profound approach is faith-centered, science and evidence-informed, and rooted in years of training, including an Advanced Certification in Motherhood and Family Life. She weaves together creativity, faith, and nervous system-aware coaching to support women in finding grace in the margins of their lives. Michelle’s signature programs include Drawn to Grace, a 5-day guided doodle practice to build self-compassion, and Draw Yourself In, a 12-week coaching experience for women ready to release perfectionism and rediscover their true voice. She also leads The Doodle Lab, a monthly creative space for reflection, connection, and nervous system regulation—no art skills required. Whether through her courses, community, or one-on-one coaching, Michelle makes it safe, —and even fun—for women to let go of who they think they should be and remember who they already are.  Get more at Thedoodlecoach.com

This isn't your typical episode - it's raw, unscripted, and straight from my heart. I'm sharing the terrifying phone call I received from my 23-year-old son Luke during a political assassination at his university where he stood just yards away from the tragedy.  And what this experience taught me about raising resilient boys in a world filled with tragedy and fear. Why This Matters to You  Your son is consuming tragedy daily - school shootings, violence, political chaos - and his developing brain wasn't designed for this constant exposure. While you can't control the world around him, you CAN control how prepared he is to handle crisis and who he calls when life gets scary. Learn how to create a safe space for your son to process difficult events Discover the power of asking the right questions during crisis Understand why focusing on your relationship at home creates more change than scrolling social media Get practical tools for building resilience in your son's character Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

Screens are everywhere - phones, video games, streaming shows and it can feel like your son is disappearing into them. In this episode, I share 5 practical steps you can use today to set healthy boundaries around screens without constant arguments. Why This Matters to You (Mom of Boys): You don’t just want fewer battles over screens. You want connection. You want your son to grow into a motivated, balanced young man not someone stuck in a digital world. This episode gives you the confidence and tools to guide him without guilt, shame, or power struggles.   Todays Episode Will Help You: Learn why screens are so addictive to teen boys (and why it’s not their fault). Discover how to set clear boundaries without constant arguing. Walk away with practical ways to create a family media culture that works. Feel hopeful and back in control instead of overwhelmed. Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

If you're exhausted from the daily battles. The nagging, reminding, and repeating yourself isn't working it's actually creating MORE resistance. You want peaceful mornings and a son who takes responsibility, but you're stuck in a cycle of control that's damaging your relationship. In this episode we are talking about the real reason your teenage son is acting out during back-to-school season (hint: it's not what you think), why your well-intentioned hovering is making everything worse, and the game-changing shift that will transform your relationship from chaotic to connected in just a few weeks. Today you will: Discover what's really happening beneath your son's "attitude" during school transitions Learn the difference between leadership and micromanaging (and why it matters) Get the exact script for transferring power without losing your mind Understand why connection before correction changes everything Walk away with actionable steps to reduce drama starting TODAY Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE    

If you've ever sat with your head in your hands wondering "What am I doing wrong?" after your son's latest attitude explosion, this episode is your permission slip to STOP. You're not alone in this blame spiral - it's literally hardwired into us as moms. But here's the thing: that guilt isn't helping him learn accountability, and it's stealing your confidence as his guide.   In this episode we're diving deep into why moms automatically blame themselves when their teenage sons act out, slam doors, or get in trouble at school. I'm sharing why this self-blame is your default response, how it's actually hurting both you AND your son, and giving you practical steps to break free from the guilt cycle so you can show up as the confident mom your son needs.   You'll leave with : Understand the psychology behind why moms blame themselves (spoiler: it's not actually helpful) Learn to shift from guilt to curiosity - the game-changing parenting emotion Get scripts for conversations that give ownership back to your son Discover why boundaries aren't trauma - they're exactly what he's begging for Practical steps to stop the self-blame cycle starting today   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

You're exhausted from the daily battles. You're worried he'll never learn to manage himself. And you're starting to wonder if all this nagging is destroying the connection you've worked so hard to build. This episode gives you permission to step back and a roadmap for how to do it successfully.   We're diving deep into the morning battlefield every mom of teenage sons knows too well. I'm sharing why you need to stop being his human alarm clock, how to pull facts from your dramatic stories, and the exact steps to give him ownership back without losing your mind or your relationship.   How This Episode Solves Your Problem End the morning chaos - Learn to separate facts from fear-based stories that fuel your frustration Build his independence - Discover why natural consequences work better than rescue missions Preserve your relationship - Get curious instead of combative, and watch connection strengthen Feel confident letting go - Understand why it's better for him to struggle now than at 25 Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

This episode gives you three practical ways to teach your teenage son that kindness is actually strength, not weakness, even when his world tells him otherwise. Listen if: You're struggling with a son who's becoming mean to siblings or friends, or you want to prevent your kind boy from hardening as he navigates high school social pressures. Key takeaways: Model kindness in your own conversations - Pay attention to how you talk about teachers, coaches, and neighbors in front of your son because he's learning from every word Celebrate kindness like you celebrate wins - Point out acts of kindness you see and praise them specifically so your son learns to value character over status Show him that his heroes are kind people - Help him see that true strength comes from choosing kindness, not from being the loudest or most aggressive Golden quote: "The most confident kids that come through my house are also the kindest kids... confidence and kindness go hand in hand." Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE