Do you have a son who avoids reading like it’s a chore? You’re not alone—and this episode is packed with support and solutions.

We’re joined by literacy expert and fellow boy mom Dr. Jessica Hovland, who shares real talk and practical tips for helping boys become more confident readers. From bedtime routines and graphic novels to Minecraft books and reading to the dog 🐶—you’ll walk away with strategies you can use today.

Whether your son is just starting to read or facing challenges in middle or high school, this episode is for you. 💙

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform 📘 Grab the book: Mothers of Boys Survival Guide 🌐 Join the community: MothersOfBoys.life

Bracing for Takeoff: When Your Son Leaves the Nest

Is your son gearing up to leave for college—or already out the door with a box of ramen and a half-packed first aid kit?

In this episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, we talk with mom Rebecca Vandall about the emotional ups, downs, and unexpected wins of launching a son into adulthood.

We cover: ✅ How to stay connected without hovering ✅ What to pack (and what sparks dorm friendships!) ✅ Navigating homesickness, independence, and sibling shifts ✅ Real-life strategies like “Proof of Life Money” and care package parties ✅ Reclaiming time for yourself and rediscovering your identity post-launch

Whether your son is weeks from move-in day or you're just beginning to imagine it, this conversation is full of relatable stories, expert insights, and laugh-out-loud moments.

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform 📘 Grab the book: Mothers of Boys Survival Guide 🌐 Join the community: MothersOfBoys.life

Battle-Tested: 10 Parenting Tips Every Boy Mom Wants to Know

What do you get when you raise 7 kids (4 boys) and survive to tell the tale? A whole lot of wisdom — and even more heart. 💙

This week on the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, Suzy and Cheryl sit down with Mary Pat Gaeng, a mom of 7 and grandmother of 6, to share the 10 boy mom truths she’s learned the hard way.

• Learn why physical affection matters more than you think
• Find out how to stop power struggles in their tracks
• Discover the power of simple meals and shared responsibility
• Hear why raising a good human matters more than raising a “typical boy”

Whether you're in the toddler trenches or navigating teen years, this episode is packed with relatable stories, practical tips, and encouragement that will meet you right where you are.

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform 📘 Grab the book: Mothers of Boys Survival Guide 🌐 Join the community: MothersOfBoys.life