Boys are absolutely capable of emotional vulnerability. But they are often more comfortable opening up within close friendships than without. Here Michelle Mitchell and Dr Justin Coulson dive into the topic of connection and communication with our boys. They also cover emotional expressiveness and handling big emotions.

Timestamps

• 00:19 Dr Justin introduces Michelle Mitchell
• 01:33 Introduction to the topic
• 04:00 The hurdles that boys face today
• 09:12 Emotional expressiveness
• 10:33 Boys want us to hear their ‘man voice’
• 14:03 Balancing kindness and limits
• 16:23 We talk to boys differently
• 19:29 We have a lower expectation on boys to behave good
• 20:27 Emotional and physical outlets 
• 23:23 Be clear on your family values
• 26:04 Competitiveness in boys and girls
• 33:28 Big emotions 
• 35:51 Validating statements and empathy
• 41:04 Parents can be needy
• 43:25 Responding to boys when they’re riled up
• 46:33 Setting limits
• 49:53 Building blocks for better communication
• 54:41 Boys and puberty
• 56:54 Final practical tips

Michelle Mitchell

Michelle Mitchell is an award-winning speaker, and bestselling parenting author. She has been termed ‘the teenage expert’ by the media and is sought after for her compassionate and grounded advice for parenting tweens and teens. Michelle started her career as a teacher, but soon discovered a special interest in wellbeing. She left teaching in 2000 and founded Youth Excel, a ‘boutique’ health promotion charity which delivered tailor made life skills programs and psychological services to thousands of young people and their families each year.  Today she uses her experience to write and speak in schools, community events and through media.   

Resources

• Michelle Mitchell - website
• A Guy's Guide to Puberty | Michelle Mitchell
• The Everyday Resilience Journal | Michelle Mitchell

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