Teen boys are… a mystery. One minute sweet, the next minute grunting, eye-rolling, or insisting they’re “fine” while their world is clearly on fire.

In this week’s Mothers of Boys Survival Guide podcast, I’m joined again by psychologist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, and we dig into what’s actually happening inside the brains and hearts of our pre-teens, teens, and young men.

We talk about: ✔️ Why communication gets harder ✔️ Power struggles (and how to survive them) ✔️ Lying, embarrassment, and shutdowns ✔️ Teen risk-taking (hello, cliff-jumping 😳) ✔️ Rituals that help boys open up ✔️ How to stay connected—even when they’re off at college, ignoring your calls

If you’re raising a teen boy, this episode is your emotional life raft. Give it a listen and share it with another boy mom who needs a little solidarity today.

Why do young boys sometimes shut down or struggle to express what they feel? Psychologist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst joins the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide to explore the emotional world of boys and how parents can help young boys use their words instead of their fists or feet.

Dr. Vanderhorst explains how boys develop emotional intelligence differently from girls, why they often communicate through action rather than language, and how small changes in our responses can build lasting trust and confidence. From classroom frustrations to grocery store meltdowns, this episode offers real-world parenting advice and a deeper understanding of how to raise emotionally strong, self-aware young men.

Perfect for any parent who’s ever wondered what’s really going on behind their son’s silence—or his shouting.

Divorce isn’t just a legal process — it’s an emotional earthquake. And when you’re a mom trying to protect your kids (especially boys, who are more emotional than you think), the pressure can feel next-level.

In this week’s episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, I sat down with Lisa Johnson, a certified domestic-violence advocate and co-founder of Been There, Got Out. After a decade fighting through a high-conflict divorce, she now helps parents stay grounded, protect their kids, and navigate toxic co-parenting dynamics without losing their sanity.

We talk about:

• Early red flags of a high-conflict divorce
• How to protect your kids from emotional manipulation
• The 10-minute connection rule every mom should know
• Supporting boys who internalize stress and anger
• Smart communication & documentation strategies
• Finding the right support — for you and your kids

This episode isn’t doom-and-gloom. It’s truth, strength, and real tools for moms who are fighting to stay strong and raise resilient boys through messy chapters of life. You are not alone in this. 💛