Raising Boys Building Men/Parenting Solutions For Moms And Boys

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  

If you've ever caught yourself wishing for "just one more day" with that sweet little boy who called you "mommy" - you're not alone. That quiet sadness you carry? It's universal, it's normal, and it doesn't make you ungrateful. But living there will rob you of the beautiful relationship you can have with your teenager today. Today we're diving deep into that ache you feel when you hold a little one and miss your own boy's chubby hands. I'm talking about the homesickness for who your son used to be while you're trying to embrace who he's becoming. This episode gives you permission to feel that grief AND practical ways to stay present with the amazing young man in front of you right now. Today is tomorrow's reminiscence. Don't miss it while longing for yesterday. 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 tired of walking on eggshells around your teenage son or feeling like every conversation turns into a power struggle, this episode is for you. You don't need to be naturally funny - you just need to be a little less serious. Your son is gauging your reaction to his struggles, and humor can be the bridge that keeps you connected through the tough moments. Discover why humor isn't just "nice to have" - it's a neuroscience-backed parenting superpower that can transform your relationship with your teenage son. I'm sharing real stories from our family (yes, including multiple car incidents!), the science behind why laughter works, and practical one-liners you can use this week to break tension and build connection. 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 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 questioning whether you know anything at all because your son argues with literally everything you say - from room cleaning to what time it is - you're not alone. This isn't about disrespect or failure. It's developmental, it's normal, and most importantly, it's fixable. Today we're diving deep into the nitty-gritty of that argue-about-everything phase that hits around age 14. I'm sharing the science behind why your son challenges YOU more than dad, plus four practical strategies you can use TODAY to stop those circular arguments that leave you both frustrated. 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 Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab Your FREE BRIDGE METHOD (how to bounce back after conflict) PDF HERE

If you're exhausted from the constant self-criticism. The guilt. The comparison to "perfect" moms. This episode gives you permission to stop beating yourself up and start building on what you're already doing well. You will discover the game-changing "gap vs. gain" mindset that transforms how you see yourself as a mom. Learn why your brain is wired to focus on what's wrong, plus three simple strategies to parent from your strengths instead of your struggles. Today's episode will help you: Understand why focusing on deficits keeps you stuck Learn the 3-win daily practice that builds confidence Identify your top parenting strengths (and how to use them) Shift from measuring yourself against perfection to celebrating progress Create momentum in your relationship with your son   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 breaking up fights, tired of being the family referee, and wondering if your boys will ever actually like each other - this episode is your lifeline. You're not failing as a mom. Your kids aren't broken. This is normal, and it gets better. In todays episode you'll walk away knowing exactly how to respond with wisdom instead of weariness, create more connection in your home, and stop parenting from panic so you can start parenting from peace. Most importantly, you'll have hope that this phase won't last forever.   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 tired of the guilt, confusion, and that aching feeling that something is breaking between you and your son after every argument, this episode is for you. Those explosive moments aren't really about the chores or curfew - there's so much more happening underneath. Today we're breaking the exhausting cycle of daily arguments with your teenage son. I'm sharing my simple 3-step framework that works even when your teen isn't calm - because we can't count on them to stay levelheaded, but we can control ourselves. Learn why anger is just the tip of the iceberg and discover what's really driving those heated exchanges. I'll teach you exactly how to pause the panic, recognize your choices, and respond instead of react - keeping your connection intact while still being the parent. Key Takeaways: Why anger is a secondary emotion and what's really underneath The 3-step framework to break the argument cycle How to stay in your thinking brain when tensions rise Why connection and control rarely coexist Resources Mentioned: Join our Private Facebook Group HERE - Real Moms, Real Talk, Powerful Tools Download the FREE Bridge Method HERE - Recover & Reconnect After Arguments 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 lying awake wondering where you went wrong or feeling like you're failing because your son barely speaks to you anymore, this episode will be your lifeline. You're not alone, you're not failing, and most importantly - this phase doesn't last forever when you know how to navigate it. This episode introduces the three-step roadmap to move from feeling isolated and rejected by your teenage son to building a strong, connected relationship that lasts into adulthood. We'll break down why that cuddly boy suddenly went quiet, how to stop taking his distance personally, and practical ways to reconnect without trying to "fix" him. This Episode Help You: Stop the spiral of self-blame when your son pulls away Get specific strategies for one-word-answer conversations Learn to be his guide instead of trying to be his hero Create simple daily connection points that actually work with moody teenagers Download Your FREE "8 Tips to Connect" 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

As a mom raising boys, you're constantly wondering if you're doing enough, doing it right, or if your influence will last. In today's heartwarming Father's Day tribute, Heidi sits down with her dad, Larry Rigby, to explore the timeless wisdom passed down through generations. This conversation spans three generations of parenting wisdom, from the Greatest Generation to today's digital challenges. You'll gain perspective on the long game of parenting and understand that your steady presence and example are shaping the future for generations to come. If You Are: Overwhelmed by parenting advice? Learn to focus on the few things that make lasting impact Struggling with a difficult teenager? Discover the 80/20 rule that will change your perspective Worried about raising good men? Understand the key attributes that define real manhood Need practical strategies? Get the "Eugene technique," "start over" method, and other tested approaches Feeling discouraged? Receive encouragement that you're already halfway there just by being a mother 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 watched your son sit home alone on Friday nights, wondered why he doesn't have friends, or felt that pit in your stomach when he seems lonely and disconnected - this episode is for YOU. You're not alone in this worry. Learn how to create genuine safety at home (not just asking 50 questions) Discover why your own social story might be driving your panic Get practical tools to support your son without trying to "fix" everything Transform from anxious rescuer to confident anchor Ready to dive deeper? Join our private Facebook community HERE where moms just like you share real struggles and celebrate wins together.   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 isn't about another parenting strategy or technique. Today we're diving deep into the one thing that will transform your entire parenting experience: discovering your powerful WHY. I share the emotional story of bringing home my fifth son and the crushing moment that led to my breakthrough understanding of what really matters in raising boys. Why This Matters to You (Mom of Boys) If you've ever found yourself checking missing assignments for the third time in a week, lying awake at 3 AM worried about your son's future, or feeling like this parenting journey will never get easier - this episode is for you. When you lose sight of WHY you show up every day, parenting feels frustrating and endless. Your WHY becomes the fuel that carries you through those 3 AM worries and multiple attempts at important conversations. I'll guide you through powerful questions to help you identify your own specific WHY - the anchor that will give meaning to every challenge and transform your daily parenting experience from depleting to purposeful.   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

Summer break promises family memories but often delivers chaos, empty refrigerators and endless screen time battles. With teenage boys shutting off their executive functioning and living purely from their primitive brains (seeking pleasure, avoiding pain, staying efficient), it's no wonder we feel overwhelmed! Understanding what's happening in your son's brain will help you navigate this season with more patience and connection. Todays episode gives practical strategies that will help you: Manage your expectations (without lowering your standards) Create a collaborative outline your son will actually buy into Find the balance between structure and flexibility Transform from survival mode to connection mode Teach your son essential life skills while building his 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

Have you ever walked away from a conversation with your son feeling frustrated and disconnected? In this episode, I'm diving into the critical communication mistake I see moms make with their teenage sons (and honestly, I catch myself making it too!).   In this episode you'll walk away with practical strategies to shift from talking AT your son to talking WITH him, helping you rebuild connection even during the busiest times of year. I'll show you how to replace lectures with conversations and get your son to actually open up to you again.   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

As moms of boys, we often see symptoms of anxiety but don't know how to help without overparenting. You might notice your son having stomach aches, resistance to social situations, or trouble at school—all potential signs of anxiety that's going unaddressed. In this eye-opening conversation, I'm joined by Dr. Robin Graham, author of "You, Me and Anxiety - Take Action Over Anxiety to Enjoy Being You".  She shares her personal journey with anxiety and how she helped her son navigate his own anxiety struggles. We dive into practical strategies like the powerful Five C's journaling method and discuss how to create a safe space for our boys to talk about mental health. About Dr. Robin Graham: Dr. Robin Graham is a clinical pharmacist, author of "You, Me and Anxiety," and mom of three who has lived with anxiety her entire life. After watching her son develop anxiety at age 12, she became passionate about helping others—especially young people—understand and manage anxiety. Robin brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her mission of helping girls and women overcome anxiety to become all they're meant to be. Take Action Now: Find more resources from Dr. Robin at therobyngraham.com  Grab her book "You, Me and Anxiety: Take Action Over Anxiety to Enjoy Being You" on Amazon 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

As a mom of boys, you put so much pressure on yourself to be the perfect mother, especially on days meant to celebrate you. When reality doesn't match your expectations, the disappointment can be crushing. You deserve to enjoy these special days without the emotional rollercoaster. Join me today as I share my not-so-perfect Mother's Day story (involving a black eye and two feuding brothers) and the three powerful mindset shifts that helped me navigate the disappointment when celebrations go sideways. This episode gives you permission to feel disappointed while providing concrete strategies to move forward. You'll learn how to communicate your expectations clearly, give yourself grace during challenging moments, and remember that difficult phases don't last forever. Most importantly, you'll be reminded that you're doing better than you think!   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