What Every Parent Needs to Know About Raising Boys with Dr Billy Garvey

What does it really take to raise boys who are confident, kind and emotionally healthy? In this episode of Parenting Police, Sean Szeps is joined by developmental paediatrician and author Dr Billy Garvey to unpack what parents need to understand about raising boys in a world where ideas about masculinity are changing. Billy shares his own experiences growing up and the lessons he learned about hiding emotions, being tough and what it means to “be a man”, before exploring how these expectations can shape the way boys communicate, manage emotions and build relationships. Billy and Sean discuss why boys don't necessarily need to be “toughened up”, the importance of emotional connection and empathy, and why the old idea that “boys will be boys” can sometimes prevent children from learning healthier ways to behave. Billy also explains why punishment isn't always the answer when boys become aggressive, and what parents can do instead when their child is overwhelmed or struggling. From the role fathers play in modelling emotional behaviour to the importance of warmth, boundaries and respectful relationships, this is an honest and practical conversation about raising boys without limiting who they can become. This is an important conversation for anyone raising boys — and anyone who wants to better understand the boys and young men in their lives. Join the conversation! Add #TheParentingPolice to your social post. LINKS : Dr Billy Garvey's book Ten Things I Wish You Knew About Raising Boys is available now More on Guiding Growing Minds Follow @drbillygarvey on Instagram Listen to Billy's podcast Pop Culture Parenting MORE FROM SEAN SZEPS: Watch The Parenting Police on YouTube Follow Sean (@seanszeps) on Instagram Like Sean on Facebook CREDITS: Host: Sean Szeps Guest: Dr Billy Garvey Video Producer/Editor: Aidan Parkes Audio Producer: Adrian Walton Theme song co-written and produced by Josh Pyke Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ceci Herbert Follow @novapodcastsofficial on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.