Raising Boys to Become Men of Character and Purpose

Raising Boys to Be Good Men: Character, Courage & Purpose with Boad Swanson How do we raise boys to become good men—men with courage, character, purpose, and compassion? And how do we teach them to be brave without being reckless, independent without losing their connections, and strong without sacrificing kindness? In this episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide podcast, Suzy Shaw welcomes Boad Swanson, author of Great Souled Men: Reclaiming Aristotle's Vision for Building Character and Virtue. Drawing on Aristotle's 12 virtues and his experiences as a father of four, Boad shares insights into helping boys develop the values and habits that will guide them into adulthood. Together, Suzy and Boad explore the importance of positive role models, the challenges of modern masculinity, and why parents sometimes need to practice a little “catch and release”—giving their sons room to make mistakes, learn, and grow. They also discuss practical ways to build character through celebration, correction, and curiosity. And Boad shares a lesson from his father about what it means to be a good man: protect, provide, and preserve—especially the relationships that matter most. Along the way, Suzy shares stories from raising her two now-adult sons, including a memorable cliff-jumping adventure that she discovered on Instagram! Whether you're raising a young boy, navigating the teenage man-cub years, or watching your adult son find his way, this conversation offers practical advice, perspective, and encouragement for raising good humans. Learn more about Boad Swanson and his book: https://greatsouledmen.com Explore the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide podcast, book, and resources: https://mothersofboys.life If this episode resonates with you, share it with another boy mom who could use a little camaraderie!