Skip to content

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.

related blog post by Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

Read more of my stories and reflections

A woman drawn to reflect the soul with a pink sunset on July 4th, symbolizing gender norms and emotional reflection and in Maryland and DC.

JULY 4TH

A Celebration of Freedom, Memory, and the Spirit of Community on July 4th What a fun celebration! This year is special, and every fence row in the neighborhood has decided to display patriotic bunting. Everything is festive, and the mood carries easily into the day. Memories of other Fourths come
Read My Post
A person in a garden full of artichoke, symbolizing emotional growth and seasonal reflection through therapy in Maryland and DC.

The Heart of the Artichoke

A Metaphor for Effort, Patience, and the Rewards Hidden Beneath the Surface I rarely have an artichoke, but I rather like them. The plant can be found in Portugal, Morocco, Libya, and Greece. These are lovely places to visit, and the artichoke is a native plant, so you could pick
Read My Post
A person being satisfied by reading an essay, symbolizing intuition and emotional appreciation in Maryland and DC.

Satisfied

SATISFIED Expectations, Grace, and the Gentle Art of Repair Satisfaction isn’t perfection—it’s connection. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how emotional expectations shape our relationships, and how grace, humor, and repair transform disappointment into deeper understanding. Satisfied is a feeling that comes after something else. This feeling
Read My Post
Aging couple in retirement joined in gratitude having a a heart to heart about being a grandparent and parenting our parents, symbolizing emotional connection and Repair of Relationships in Maryland and DC.

Are You at That Age? | On Aging, Choice, and What Truly Fits Your Life

On Aging, Options, and Knowing What Truly Fits Your Life Yes, you know what I am talking about. There comes a time when you are getting older and looking ahead. You may even find yourself considering an elevator in your house. Have you noticed the TV ads for those round
Read My Post