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Written by Online therapist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

Helping Boys Emotional Growth | Mothers of Boys Survival Guide Podcast

Emotional growth starts with safety and understanding.

For individuals in Maryland and DC, this conversation explores how boys learn to express themselves and how parents, especially moms, can nurture emotional fluency through everyday connection.

Good to see you,

Why do boys sometimes shut down, act out, or struggle to express what they feel?

This week, I joined the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide Podcast to share insights from my years of work with young boys and their families. We talked about how boys develop emotional awareness, why they often communicate differently than girls, and what parents can do to help them turn frustration into connection.

In this episode, we talk about:

  • Encouraging boys to express feelings instead of acting out
  • Turning meltdowns into meaningful moments of understanding
  • Supporting emotional development through safety and play
  • How movement and physical space help boys learn and communicate
  • Why moms play such a vital role in modeling emotional openness

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to help your son “use his words,” this conversation offers empathy, research-based tools, and simple, real-life strategies for nurturing emotional growth.

🎧 Watch the full episode: Helping Boys Grow Emotionally | Mothers of Boys Survival Guide

Want to explore how boys develop emotional intelligence and resilience? Visit Psychology Today’s article on helping boys develop emotional awareness and Greater Good’s guide to supporting emotional growth in boys.

If you’re navigating parenting challenges or seeking tools to support your son’s emotional development, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support clarity, connection, and emotional growth.

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