Raising Boys and Redefining Toxic Masculinity and how it impacts Friendships and Emotional Health

Society wants us to raise our boys to be “tough” but boys are more complex and as parents we need to help them navigate the cultural pressures and protect their emotional well-being. We need to understand the impact of feeling inadequate and the importance of fostering empathy towards boys during their development. This week, I welcome Ruth Whippman, an author, essayist and cultural critic, to discuss how we can support boys in embracing their emotions and navigating their growth.

She joins me to discuss: 

• How boys face indirect societal pressures that discourage emotional expression
• Why feelings of inadequacy regarding masculinity can trigger harmful behaviors, including violence.
• The need to recognize boys’ struggles and foster a positive narrative that empowers them.

To connect with Ruth Whippman follow her on Instagram @ruthwhippman and Substack @ruthwhippman. Check out all her resources at https://www.ruthwhippman.com/. For more, purchase Ruth’s book BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity.

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠!

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices