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

Good to see you,

Are you a grandparent striving to raise emotionally healthy boys in a world that often discourages men from expressing their true feelings?

This week, I joined Laura Brazan on the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity podcast to talk about breaking generational cycles, especially those that keep boys stuck in an “emotional desert.”

In our conversation, we explored:

• Why emotional intelligence is essential for boys, and how grandparents can help

• How outdated cultural myths shape how boys express (or suppress) emotions

• Simple tools to start meaningful emotional conversations at home

• How feeling vocabulary lists can build stronger emotional awareness

• What it really takes to create emotionally safe spaces for all grandchildren

We also talked about my New York Times best-selling journal, Read, Reflect, Respond: The 3 R’s of Growth and Change,and how it can support families navigating this journey.

If you’re looking for expert insight, real-life stories, and actionable steps to empower the next generation, this conversation is for you.

🎧 Listen to the Podcast Episode

Rooting for your growth,

Get the Book on Amazon

Listen to More

Explore more episodes on healing, connection, and personal growth through honest conversations and shared experiences.

More Podcast Episodes

Talk With Me!

I’d love to hear your stories.

Email me to share your experiences.

Want to connect in a session?

Schedule an Appointment