On this episode of the Raising Sons Podcast, Dr. Richelle Whittaker discusses the challenges parents face after receiving a diagnosis for their child, particularly autism. She emphasizes the confusion that often follows a diagnosis and the importance of understanding special education services like IEPs and 504 plans. Dr. Whittaker encourages parents to advocate for their children with clarity and confidence, reminding them that they are not alone in this journey. The episode aims to empower parents by providing insights and support to navigate the complexities of the educational system and to foster a better understanding of their child's needs.

Takeaways

Getting a diagnosis isn't the hardest part.

The hardest part is figuring out what to do after it.

Parents are often left trying to make sense of terms like IEP and 504.

You can't advocate with confidence until you first understand.

The diagnosis doesn't define the child, it describes how they learn.

Advocacy is about walking in with clarity and confidence.

You're not behind; a diagnosis gives insight into support.

You have rights and options regarding special education services.

Getting help isn't weakness; it's wisdom.

You're not failing; you're learning.

Text Raising Sons to 1.833.638.5442 to ask questions, share your thoughts, or to request a link to purchase the book

Schedule your Parent Roadmap Session: https://www.richellewhittaker.com/workwithme

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Text Raising Sons to 1.833.638.5442 to ask questions, share your thoughts, or to request a link to purchase the book

Follow me:

IG: @dr_richelle

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/@drrichellewhittaker

Welcome to Season 4 of the Raising Sons Podcast with Dr. Richelle Whittaker!

This season, we’re going beyond the mic now you can see the conversations that are helping moms, dads, and educators raise boys who are confident, emotionally whole, and rooted in purpose.

What to Expect in Season 4:

• Real case studies from my work with boys and families
• Insights from my bestselling book, Strong Men Start Here: A Mom’s Roadmap to Raising Confident and Emotionally Whole Sons
• Reflections from my YouVersion devotional, From Seed to Strength: A 5 Day Devotional on Raising Sons with Purpose
• Practical tools and faith-based strategies to help you guide your son — whether he’s a toddler, tween, or teen

Because raising sons isn’t just about keeping them safe, it’s about preparing them to lead, love, and live with strength and compassion.

Subscribe to the channel and turn on notifications so you don’t miss new episodes every other week.

Join the conversation: Share your thoughts in the comments

Get the book: Strong Men Start Here: A Mom's Roadmap to Raising Confident and Emotionally Whole Sons

Read the devotional on YouVersion: From Seed to Strength: A 5 Day Devotional on Raising Sons with Purpose

Follow the movement: #RaisingSons #BoyMomNation #StrongMenStartHere #DrRichelleWhittaker

Start with the End in Mind. Let’s raise them right together.

In this powerful season finale of the Raising Sons Podcast, Dr. Richelle reflects on the most impactful lessons from Season 3 and shares the heart of what it means to raise boys who grow into strong, confident, and emotionally healthy men.

From the challenges of navigating summer camps to the importance of showing up consistently, even on hard days, Dr. Richelle offers wisdom every mom of boys needs to hear. You’ll discover why being present, engaged, and a non-judgmental listener matters more than perfection, and how your everyday decisions shape your son’s future.

This episode is your reminder that:

Strong men start with moms who keep showing up.

Listening without judgment builds lasting connection.

Consistency in parenting creates stability for boys to thrive.

Whether you’re reflecting on the past school year or preparing for a fresh start, this episode will leave you encouraged, equipped, and ready to “start with the end in mind.”

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• 3 key takeaways to guide you in raising emotionally whole boys
• How to parent through resistance and trust your instincts
• Why your presence—not perfection—makes the biggest impact
• A heartfelt message of hope and encouragement for every mom

If you’ve ever wondered if you’re doing enough for your son, this episode will remind you: you are enough, and you’re exactly the mom he needs.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Strong Men Start Here – Dr. Richelle’s book for moms raising sons
• Boy Mom Nation – Join the community for support and strategies
• YouVersion Devotional

On this episode of the Raising Sons Podcast, Dr. Richelle Whittaker (aka Dr. Shell) sits down with a very special guest, her oldest son, Christian, as he prepares to transition into high school. Together, unfiltered, they explore the emotional highs and lows of growing up, the challenges of making new friends, and the realities of shifting school environments.

Dr. Shell shares vulnerable reflections on letting go, trusting God, and walking the fine line between protecting and preparing our sons. Christian offers honest insights about what boys his age really think, the importance of finding your people, and what he’s learned about change, courage, and showing up for yourself.

This episode is packed with practical wisdom for moms raising boys, emotional encouragement for families navigating change, and a powerful reminder that transition doesn’t mean disconnection, they’re an invitation to grow together.

Link to previous show with Mr. Michael Dangerfield:https://redcircle.com/shows/96426c63-da1b-4a5b-8554-d97969ca6c9f/ep/e725e92b-e286-4f5d-9217-5ccb1dec81e9

Grab your ticket to the Raising Sons: Back to School Experience: https://bit.ly/raisingsonsexperience

Text Community to 1.833.638.5442 to receive the link for Boy Mom Nation or go directly to it here: https://boy-moms-united.mn.co

Check out the devotional From Seed to Strength: A 5 Day Devotional for Raising Sons with Purpose on YouVersion here: http://bible.us/r/ECI

Purchase the book, Strong Men Start Here: A Mom's Roadmap to Raising Confident and Emotionally Whole Sons here: https://bit.ly/strongmenstarthere

If you're having challenges with your son's development or behavior and need help, schedule a consultation, here.

Text Raising Sons to 1.833.638.5442 to ask questions, share your thoughts, or to request a link to purchase the book

Follow me:

IG: @dr_richelle

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/@drrichellewhittaker

On this "Mom Musing" of the Raising Sons Podcast, Dr. Richelle opens up about the early emails she is receiving from her sons’ schools and the preparations already underway for a smooth new school year.

With one son transitioning to middle school and the other to high school, Dr. Whitaker shares her own strategy for easing chaos: getting her closet organized. She explains how simplifying just one part of her life creates a sense of calm and control amid the upcoming changes and hectic schedules.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on what one thing they can tackle right now to better prepare themselves and their families for the school year ahead, whether that’s organizing a space, planning routines, or another practical step.

Dr. Whitaker also invites listeners to join the Boy Mom Nation community at a special founding member rate and announces the upcoming “Raising Sons Back to School Experience” on August 23rd in Houston. This in-person event will offer support from a male therapist for adolescent sons, a workshop for moms, and opportunities for connection and bonding over food and fun.

Join Boy Mom Nation here: https://boy-moms-united.mn.co/

Check out From Seed to Strength: A 5 Day Devotional for Raising Sons with Purpose on YouVersion: http://bible.us/r/ECI

Purchase the book, Strong Men Start Here: A Mom's Roadmap to Raising Confident and Emotionally Whole Sons : https://bit.ly/strongmenstarthere

If you're having challenges with your son's development or behavior and need help, schedule a consultation, here.

Text Raising Sons to 1.833.638.5442 to ask questions, share your thoughts, or to request a link to purchase the book

Follow me:

IG: @dr_richelle

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/@drrichellewhittaker

On this episode of the podcast, we tackle the question so many moms silently carry:

Am I enough?

If you've ever doubted your parenting or felt overwhelmed trying to raise a strong, emotionally intelligent boy in today’s world—you are not alone. Dr. Richelle shares personal stories, affirmations, and practical strategies to help you reframe guilt, recognize your impact, and parent with vision and confidence.

You’ll learn:

• What “being enough” really means for moms raising sons
• How to build emotional resilience in boys through everyday connection
• The power of consistency and reflection in parenting
• How to let go of perfection and embrace purposeful motherhood
• Practical questions to ground you when doubt creeps in

Whether you’re a single mom, working mom, or just navigating the ups and downs of parenting boys, this episode will affirm, equip, and encourage you to start with the end in mind.

Text Community to 1.833.638.5442 to receive the link for Boy Mom Nation or go directly to it here: https://boy-moms-united.mn.co

Check out the devotional From Seed to Strength: A 5 Day Devotional for Raising Sons with Purpose on YouVersion here: http://bible.us/r/ECI

Purchase the book, Strong Men Start Here: A Mom's Roadmap to Raising Confident and Emotionally Whole Sons here: https://bit.ly/strongmenstarthere

If you're having challenges with your son's development or behavior and need help, schedule a consultation, here.

Text Raising Sons to 1.833.638.5442 to ask questions, share your thoughts, or to request a link to purchase the book

Follow me:

IG: @dr_richelle

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/@drrichellewhittaker

Read less

On this episode, Dr. Richelle dives deep into the essential ways moms can stay connected to their sons as they approach and navigate the tween and teen years. If you've ever wondered why your son isn’t as talkative as he once was, or if you’re concerned he might be pulling away, this episode offers practical, heartfelt advice from a boy mom and educator.

Dr. Whittaker discusses three key strategies to strengthen the mother-son relationship: building the connection early, allowing growing autonomy, and tuning in to your son’s natural communication patterns. Drawing on personal experiences and candid conversations with her own sons, Dr. Whittaker highlights the importance of being present, calm, nonjudgmental, and consistent—reminding listeners that relationships naturally ebb and flow.

This episode is perfect for boy moms seeking real-life tips on creating a foundation of trust and open communication, as well as those looking for a supportive community. Listeners are invited to join Boy Mom Nation, a thriving space for resources and advice on intentional parenting.

Key topics include:

• How to lay a strong foundation for a lifelong connection with your son
• The power of consistency and early involvement in school, sports, and daily life
• Granting autonomy to your son and including him in decision-making
• Recognizing and adapting to your child’s most comfortable times to connect

Text Community to 1.833.638.5442 to receive the link for Boy Mom Nation or go directly to it here: https://boy-moms-united.mn.co

Check out the devotional From Seed to Strength: A 5 Day Devotional for Raising Sons with Purpose on YouVersion here: http://bible.us/r/ECI

Purchase the book, Strong Men Start Here: A Mom's Roadmap to Raising Confident and Emotionally Whole Sons here: https://bit.ly/strongmenstarthere

If you're having challenges with your son's development or behavior and need help, schedule a consultation, here.

Text Raising Sons to 1.833.638.5442 to ask questions, share your thoughts, or to request a link to purchase the book

Follow me:

IG: @dr_richelle

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/@drrichellewhittaker

Are you taking care of you? We can't pour for an empty cup, so if you're not taking care of yourself- start today! Schedule that doctor's appointment, get that bloodwork done, schedule that mammogram. If you're looking for support- a community- join Boy Mom Nation. It's a place where we will navigate motherhood while nurturing boyhood (manhood)!

Text Community to 1.833.638.5442 if you have questions about the community before making the commitment OR join the community here: https://boy-moms-united.mn.co/

Check out the devotional here: http://bible.us/r/ECI

Purchase the book here: https://bit.ly/strongmenstarthere

If you're having challenges with your son's development or behavior and need help, schedule a consultation, here.

Text Raising Sons to 1.833.638.5442 to ask questions, share your thoughts, or to request a link to purchase the book

Follow me:

IG: @dr_richelle

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/@drrichellewhittaker

On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Richelle Whittaker (Dr. Shell) dives into the challenges of managing boys’ screen time over the summer. Dr. Shell discusses why boys are so drawn to screens, including boredom, social interaction, and the dopamine “high” that devices can produce.

Listeners will learn to recognize the signs of screen-time imbalance—such as temper tantrums, sleep disruption, and withdrawal—and will discover expert strategies to help boys break free from screens. Dr. Shell outlines practical, actionable tips for parents:

• Co-creating device rules with your son
• Offering alternative summer activities like camps and reading
• Staying consistent yet flexible, especially with family routines and grandparents
• Modeling healthy screen habits as a parent

This episode is packed with tools to help moms build healthier tech boundaries without the frustration, plus updates on special community events, resources for raising emotionally whole sons, and more.

Text Community to 1.833.638.5442 to receive the link for Boy Mom Nation or go directly to it here: https://boy-moms-united.mn.co

Check out the devotional From Seed to Strength: A 5 Day Devotional for Raising Sons with Purpose on YouVersion here: http://bible.us/r/ECI

Purchase the book, Strong Men Start Here: A Mom's Roadmap to Raising Confident and Emotionally Whole Sons here: https://bit.ly/strongmenstarthere

If you're having challenges with your son's development or behavior and need help, schedule a consultation, here.

Text Raising Sons to 1.833.638.5442 to ask questions, share your thoughts, or to request a link to purchase the book

Follow me:

IG: @dr_richelle

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/@drrichellewhittaker

Disclaimer: Dr. Richelle is a therapist, but she is not your therapist. All information provided is not to be taken as therapy.

On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Richelle Whittaker, offers a heartfelt and personal look into her newly released book, "Strong Men Start Here: A Mom's Roadmap to Raising Confident and Emotionally Whole Sons." This episode is a bit different from the usual, as Dr. Whittaker shares the book’s powerful introduction—inviting moms (and anyone raising boys) to re-examine their own beliefs and approaches to parenting.

Drawing from her experiences as both a psychologist and a mother, Dr. Whittaker reflects on the critical influence a mother’s words and mindset can have on her sons. She opens up about the importance of being intentional, the value of male role models, and the frequent need to challenge preconceived notions about “appropriate boy behavior.” You will gain insight into how parenting styles, shaped by our own upbringings and biases, can impact our children’s emotional health—and how it’s never too late to reset the journey.

Dr. Whittaker also introduces Boy Mom Nation, a supportive community for moms raising boys, and encourages listeners to access additional resources like her devotionals and the link to her new book. Get ready for an inspiring conversation designed to provide fresh perspective, encouragement, and practical strategies for raising confident, emotionally whole sons.

Text Community to 1.833.638.5442 to receive the link for Boy Mom Nation or go directly to it here: https://boy-moms-united.mn.co

Check out the devotional From Seed to Strength: A 5 Day Devotional for Raising Sons with Purpose on YouVersion here: http://bible.us/r/ECI

Purchase the book, Strong Men Start Here: A Mom's Roadmap to Raising Confident and Emotionally Whole Sons here: https://bit.ly/strongmenstarthere

If you're having challenges with your son's development or behavior and need help, schedule a consultation, here.

Text Raising Sons to 1.833.638.5442 to ask questions, share your thoughts, or to request a link to purchase the book

Follow me:

IG: @dr_richelle

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/@drrichellewhittaker

Disclaimer: Dr. Richelle is a therapist, but she is not your therapist. All information provided is not to be taken as therapy.