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When our boys are struggling, what’s our first instinct as moms? Fix it. But sometimes what they need most isn’t an answer. They need us to walk alongside them while they figure it out. On this episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide podcast, educator, coach, and leader Jason Larocque shares practical insight from more than two decades of working with boys and young men. We talk about: • Why connection should come before correction • Why boys often open up more during side-by-side conversations • How boys signal they’re struggling—even when they don’t say it • When parents need to step in • How to create space for honest conversations without judgment • Why our own emotional and physical wellness matters, too Jason leaves us with a great reminder: “Walk with them, don’t push them, and don’t pull them.” 🎧 Listen to How to Support Boys Without Trying to Fix Everything on the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide podcast. #MOBsurvivalguide #MothersOfBoys #BoyMom #RaisingBoys #ParentingBoys

From picky eaters surviving on three beige foods to teenagers who seem capable of emptying the refrigerator overnight, feeding boys can be an adventure. But eventually, we need to teach them how to feed themselves. Nutritionist, cookbook author, TV personality, and mom of two sons Robin Miller joins Suzy to talk about raising boys who are comfortable and capable in the kitchen. They discuss handling picky eating without food battles, feeding hungry teenage boys, getting kids involved in cooking, and the essential kitchen skills boys should know before leaving home. Robin also shares practical strategies for busy families, including prepping ahead and her favorite approach: “cook once, eat twice.” Because the goal isn’t just feeding our boys today—it’s raising young men who can someday make their own dinner. 🎧 Raising Boys Who Feed Themselves Listen on your favorite podcast app, watch on YouTube, or visit mothersofboys.life. If this episode resonated with you, share it with another mom. 📚 Grab Suzy Shaw’s Mothers of Boys Survival Guide  book 🔗  Visit http://motherofboys.life for resources, links, and more. 📌 Subscribe for more parenting tips and support for raising boys! ⭐⭐⭐ Mothers of Boys Survival Guide Podcast ⭐⭐⭐ 👉 Follow for more parenting insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mothers.of.boys.survival.guide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mothers.of.boys.survival.guide LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mothers-of-boys-survival-guide

They say it takes a village to raise a child—and when you’re raising boys, having other moms in your corner can make all the difference. In this episode, Suzy talks with Laurie Ann Steinmetz, mom of three adult sons, host of The MOOBment Podcast, and founder of a community for MOOBs—Mothers Of Only Boys. Suzy and Laurie Ann share how mom friendships helped them navigate the chaos of raising boys, from carpools and sports fields to the moments when life simply became too much to handle alone. They talk about asking for help, Laurie Ann’s A-B-C-D theory of friendship, holding onto your own identity through motherhood, finding your village, and trusting that your boys really are listening—even when you’re pretty sure they aren’t. 🎧 Raising Boys Takes a Village: Why Mom Friends Matter Listen on your favorite podcast app, watch on YouTube, or visit mothersofboys.life. If this episode resonated with you, share it with another mom. 📚 Grab Suzy Shaw’s Mothers of Boys Survival Guide  book 🔗  Visit http://motherofboys.life for resources, links, and more. 📌 Subscribe for more parenting tips and support for raising boys! ⭐⭐⭐ Mothers of Boys Survival Guide Podcast ⭐⭐⭐ 👉 Follow for more parenting insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mothers.of.boys.survival.guide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mothers.of.boys.survival.guide LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mothers-of-boys-survival-guide

Raising boys into confident, responsible young men means learning when to step in—and when to let them figure it out. Author and mom of four sons Jennifer L. W. Fink returns to the MOBcast to talk about parenting boys through the middle and high school years. We discuss puberty, independence, school responsibilities, letting boys experience consequences, and why our role needs to shift from managing to coaching as they grow. Plus, a reassuring reminder for anyone currently living with a “man cub”: all that love, guidance, and teaching you poured into him when he was little? It’s still in there. 🎧 Building Boys: Raising Confident, Responsible Young Men   Listen on your favorite podcast app, watch on YouTube, or visit mothersofboys.life. If this episode resonated with you, share it with another mom. 📚 Grab Suzy Shaw’s Mothers of Boys Survival Guide 🔗 Visit http://motherofboys.life for resources, links, and more. 📌 Subscribe for more parenting tips and support for raising boys! ⭐⭐⭐ Mothers of Boys Survival Guide Podcast ⭐⭐⭐ https://mothersofboys.life/podcasts 👉 Follow for more parenting insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mothers.of.boys.survival.guide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mothers.of.boys.survival.guide LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mothers-of-boys-survival-guide

Divorce is one of the biggest life changes a child can experience, but boys don't always show they're struggling in obvious ways. In this episode, counselor Jarrod Hoffman shares how trauma can affect boys differently, the warning signs parents should watch for, and a simple framework—intensity, frequency, and recency—to help determine when a behavior may be more than a normal reaction to stress. He also explains why feelings of isolation can make trauma more difficult, how to introduce counseling in a positive way, and one powerful communication tool that encourages boys to open up: "Tell me more." Whether you're navigating divorce or supporting your son through another challenging season, this conversation offers practical guidance, reassurance, and hope. Listen on your favorite podcast app, watch on YouTube, or visit mothersofboys.life. If this episode resonated with you, share it with another mom. 📚 Grab Suzy Shaw’s Mothers of Boys Survival Guide 🔗 Visit http://motherofboys.life for resources, links, and more. 📌 Subscribe for more parenting tips and support for raising boys! ⭐⭐⭐ Mothers of Boys Survival Guide Podcast ⭐⭐⭐ https://mothersofboys.life/podcasts 👉 Follow for more parenting insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mothers.of.boys.survival.guide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mothers.of.boys.survival.guide LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mothers-of-boys-survival-guide

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. In Part 2 of this conversation, Suzy Shaw sits down with college admissions expert Shellee Howard, founder of College Ready, to break down practical strategies for making higher education more affordable. Shellee explains the four ways families can pay for college, how scholarships and financial aid really work, common FAFSA mistakes to avoid, and why it's never too early to start planning. The conversation also explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping careers and what today's students need to do to prepare for an uncertain future. Whether your teen is headed to a four-year university, community college, trade school, or another path, this episode offers practical guidance to help families reduce college costs, avoid expensive mistakes, and confidently plan for what comes next. Listen on your favorite podcast app, watch on YouTube, or visit mothersofboys.life. If this episode resonated with you, share it with another mom. 📚 Grab Suzy Shaw’s Mothers of Boys Survival Guide 🔗 Visit http://motherofboys.life for resources, links, and more. 📌 Subscribe for more parenting tips and support for raising boys! ⭐⭐⭐ Mothers of Boys Survival Guide Podcast ⭐⭐⭐ https://mothersofboys.life/podcasts 👉 Follow for more parenting insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mothers.of.boys.survival.guide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mothers.of.boys.survival.guide LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mothers-of-boys-survival-guide

What comes after high school? Four-year college, community college, trade school, entrepreneurship, a gap year, or the workforce? With more options—and higher college costs—helping your son choose the right path can feel overwhelming. In Part 1, Suzy talks with Shellee Howard, founder of College Ready, about helping teens discover their strengths, find their “why,” and make thoughtful decisions about their future. They discuss college and career planning, financial literacy, the value of letting kids fail, and how parents can guide their children toward independence without choosing the path for them. Listen on your favorite podcast app, watch on YouTube, or visit mothersofboys.life. If this episode resonated with you, share it with another mom. 📚 Grab Suzy Shaw’s Mothers of Boys Survival Guide 🔗 Visit http://motherofboys.life for resources, links, and more. 📌 Subscribe for more parenting tips and support for raising boys! ⭐⭐⭐ Mothers of Boys Survival Guide Podcast ⭐⭐⭐ https://mothersofboys.life/podcasts 👉 Follow for more parenting insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mothers.of.boys.survival.guide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mothers.of.boys.survival.guide LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mothers-of-boys-survival-guide

As parents, we naturally celebrate our children's achievements—but what if success is hiding anxiety, perfectionism, or self-doubt? In this episode, elite mental performance coach Dr. Carla Caturia explains why achievement alone doesn't build confidence and shares practical strategies to help boys develop resilience, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of self. We discuss recognizing the signs of burnout, supporting children without rescuing them, and giving them the confidence to navigate life's challenges with independence and self-trust. If you've ever wondered how to encourage your son to pursue excellence without tying his self-worth to grades, sports, or accomplishments, this conversation offers thoughtful insights and practical advice for every parent.

As moms, it's easy to believe that successful parenting is about finding the right strategy, solving problems, and helping our children avoid mistakes. But what if the most important work we do as parents has less to do with changing our children and more to do with understanding ourselves? In this episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide Podcast, Suzy Shaw talks with Conscious Life and Parenting Coach Lynda Leonce about how awareness, presence, and personal growth can transform the parent-child relationship. Drawing on her own journey of self-discovery, Lynda shares how parents can let go of fear, expectations, and the need to control outcomes in order to build stronger connections with their children. Together, they discuss conscious parenting, supporting children through challenges without overreacting, raising independent decision-makers, and helping children develop resilience through their own experiences. Lynda also offers practical strategies for quieting the mental "hamster wheel," becoming more present, and choosing peace during difficult parenting moments. If you've ever worried about making the right parenting decisions or felt overwhelmed by the pressure to get everything right, this conversation offers a refreshing reminder that your own growth may be one of the greatest gifts you can give your child. Listen on your favorite podcast app, watch on YouTube, or visit mothersofboys.life. #MOBsurvivalguide #ParentingMindset #ConsciousParenting #RaisingBoys #BoyMom #MindfulParenting #ParentingTips #PersonalGrowth #PositiveParenting #ParentingPodcast #ResilientKids #EmotionalIntelligence #MothersOfBoys

Co-parenting can be one of the most challenging aspects of raising children, especially when parents bring different childhood experiences, expectations, and parenting philosophies into the family. In this episode, Katherine Winter-Sellery returns to discuss how parents can communicate more effectively, reduce mixed messages, navigate power struggles, and create greater consistency at home. Through practical examples and thoughtful insights, Katherine explains how empathy, listening, emotional awareness, and conscious communication can strengthen both parenting partnerships and relationships with children. Listen on your favorite podcast app, watch on YouTube, or visit mothersofboys.life. #MOBsurvivalguide #ConsciousParenting #ParentingBoys #Motherhood #RaisingBoys #ParentingPodcast #EmotionalRegulation #GentleParenting #ParentingSupport

What if the way we react to our children has more to do with our own upbringing than their behavior? In this episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide Podcast, I talk with Katherine Winter-Sellery, founder of the Conscious Parenting Revolution, about how generational patterns, emotional triggers, and fear-based parenting can quietly shape our relationships with our kids. We discuss: • Why listening changes everything • Parenting children with very different personalities • Emotional regulation and “car alarm” kids • Why some children truly cannot sit still • Moving away from punishment and toward connection • Raising independent kids without power struggles One of my favorite takeaways: “See your children beautiful.” Listen on your favorite podcast app, watch on YouTube, or visit mothersofboys.life. #MOBsurvivalguide #ConsciousParenting #ParentingBoys #Motherhood #RaisingBoys #ParentingPodcast #EmotionalRegulation #GentleParenting #ParentingSupport

In this heartfelt episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide Podcast, Suzy Shaw speaks with author Kate Markland about how storytelling helped her stay connected to her young son during a painful separation. What began as one intentional hour a week of imaginative storytelling evolved into published books, school workshops, and StoryQuest Global, a project helping children become creators instead of consumers. Kate shares practical insights about raising boys, encouraging emotional expression, building literacy through creativity, and why storytelling can help boys open up in ways traditional conversation sometimes cannot. This inspiring conversation offers moms encouragement, hope, and simple ideas for strengthening connection through imagination and play. Visit the podcast webpage for links to the resources: Raising Boys Through Storytelling: How One Mom Turned Heartbreak into Connection

Why do so many boys start saying “I hate school” as early as kindergarten? In this eye-opening episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, Suzy Shaw talks with Jennifer Fink—author of Building Boys and The First Time Mom’s Guide to Raising Boys—about why so many boys struggle in elementary school, often long before parents expect it. From behavior referrals and reading frustration to developmental differences, classroom bias, and the critical importance of movement, confidence, and advocacy, this conversation helps moms better understand what may really be happening when school becomes a daily battle. Suzy and Jennifer share personal stories, practical strategies, and empowering reminders that struggling in school does not mean your son is failing—it may mean the system isn’t built with boys in mind. If your son is bored, acting out, falling behind, or already saying he hates school, this episode will help you better understand why—and what you can do to support him. Topics include: • Why boys are disciplined more often than girls—even in preschool • Developmental differences that impact reading, writing, and behavior • How recess, movement, and hands-on learning affect boys’ success • Advocating for your son with teachers and schools • Creative strategies for reading resistance and school frustration • Why believing in your boy matters more than ever This episode is a powerful reminder: your son may not be the problem—and you are not alone. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or at mothersofboys.life #MOBsurvivalguide #MothersofBoys #RaisingBoys #BoyMom #ParentingBoys #ElementarySchool #BoysInSchool #SchoolStruggles #ParentingTips #JenniferFink #BuildingBoys #BoysAndLearning #EducationMatters #ReadingStruggles #BoyMomLife #SchoolSuccess #ParentAdvocacy #RaisingGreatGuys #ParentingPodcast #MomsOfBoys

Teaching kids about money can feel overwhelming—especially when many of us weren’t raised having open conversations about finances ourselves. In this episode, Geoff Howard, dad of two and CEO of the Money Confidence Project, shares practical ways parents can help tweens, teens, and young adults build confidence with money, develop healthier financial habits, and learn real-world skills that last far beyond childhood. From entrepreneurship to goal-setting tools and tough-love lessons, this conversation is packed with practical strategies and tools for raising financially capable kids in today’s fast-moving world. If you’ve ever wondered: ✔️ When should I start teaching my kids about money? ✔️ How do I help them avoid financial mistakes? ✔️ What tools actually make learning about money engaging? This episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or at mothersofboys.life #MOBsurvivalguide #FinancialLiteracyForKids #ParentingTeens #MoneySkills #RaisingBoys #SmartMoney #FinancialConfidence #ParentingTips

What happens when a boy grows up feeling unseen? In this episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide Podcast, Suzy Shaw talks with E.A. Johnson—father, motivational speaker, and creator of the VIBE Success System—about how childhood trauma and the pressure to “tough it out” can shape boys into adulthood. E.A. shares his journey from abuse, bullying, and addiction to rebuilding his life with purpose and offers practical insight into what boys really need to feel supported. From better questions to stronger connections, this episode gives moms simple, meaningful ways to help their sons feel seen, build resilience, and open up—beyond the usual “I’m fine.” Resources & Links Learn more: https://mothersofboys.life Follow on Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn  Share the Love If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and share it with another mom who’s in the thick of it. Be kind to yourself, moms.