Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys, Kathy sits down with Azja Pryor, a CBWS-trained babywearing educator with six years of experience. Azja shares her unique journey as a mother to two children born 18 years apart and how her parenting approach has evolved over time. With a diverse background that includes roles as a health and fitness coach and a casting director for music videos, Azja has successfully navigated multiple career paths. She opens up about discovering the transformative benefits of babywearing, the shifting expectations around raising boys, the impact of social media on parenting, and practical ways to stay connected with children—especially during the challenging teen years.

Azja Pryor, a CBWS-trained babywearing educator with six years of experience, is passionate about supporting parents in this journey by introducing them to the transformative benefits of babywearing.

Through her work with diverse communities, including collaborations with the National Birth Equity Collaborative (NBEC) and an in-person workshop for Alexandria House, that provides refuge for women and children experiencing trauma, Azja has seen firsthand how babywearing can be a powerful tool for mental wellness. The simple act of carrying a baby closely fosters emotional regulation, reduces stress, and promotes bonding, which can ease feelings of anxiety and postpartum depression.

Beyond convenience, babywearing empowers caregivers by providing a sense of confidence, connection, and calm during one of life’s most demanding transitions. It allows parents to be present, both physically and emotionally, while also maintaining a sense of self.

Azja’s expertise offers invaluable insight into the intersection of mental health and parenthood, making her an ideal voice for self-care and mental wellness to discuss how babywearing can provide emotional relief and resilience for parents and caregivers.

• Azja’s Parenting Journey:

Becoming a mother at a young age and growing alongside her son.

Embracing motherhood again 18 years later with a new perspective.

• Parenting Through Different Eras:

Changes in parenting styles and societal expectations over two decades.

How social media influences parenting today.

The increased pressures children face in the digital era.

• Babywearing Benefits:

How babywearing enhances parental bonding and offers practical benefits, and why it's making a strong comeback in parenting.

• Navigating Emotional Expression & Connection with Sons:

Breaking generational cycles of emotional suppression in boys.

Staying connected during the teenage years through open communication and shared interests.

• Modern Parenting Challenges:

The impact of digital media and social pressures on today’s youth, and the evolving landscape of parenting in a digital era. Protecting kids in an AI-driven world and maintaining open communication

• Emotional Connection & Communication:

Strategies for keeping communication open with teenagers and ensuring that children feel heard and supported emotionally. The importance of being part of your child’s world (village parenting). The role of active listening and why silence can be a warning sign

https://www.facebook.com/loveazja

https://www.instagram.com/loveazja/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCadN8RYhIIokVvKmht3YTKw

This episode is packed with wisdom, personal stories, and valuable parenting insights—tune in and discover how babywearing, trust, and connection can transform your parenting journey!

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys

This season, we’re diving deep into the world of boys—exploring what it takes to raise them to become remarkable young men. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and passionate advocate for boys’ emotional well-being, this podcast offers real-life stories, expert insights, and practical strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers navigating the unique challenges of raising boys.

In Season 2, we’re focusing on boys' emotional worlds—understanding their behavior, building stronger connections, and helping them grow into confident, resilient individuals. Through heartfelt conversations and shared experiences, we’ll uncover the struggles, joys, and breakthroughs of parenting boys.

*Stories from parents, teachers, and caregivers that shed light on the complexities of raising boys.

*Strategies to support boys in managing emotions, forming healthy relationships, and building self-esteem.

*Insights that will empower you in understanding how to nurture the boy in your life and set him up for success.

Whether you're raising a toddler, a teen, or anywhere in between, this season is all about celebrating and supporting boys—and the parents who guide them. Tune in for heart-centered conversations, expert advice, and practical tools to unlock the parenting code for boys.Share your parenting story with us here. Visit SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more and subscribe!

Sonhood Coaching focuses on the emotional well-being of boys, helping parents nurture their sons to become remarkable men. Through courses, coaching, and resources, we empower families to better understand and support the inner emotional world of boys. Explore SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more about our programs and services.

Looking to transform your relationship with your son? Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for valuable resources and expert support.

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys, host Kathy sits down with Genevieve Kyle-Lefebvre’, a mom of two energetic boys, the founder and main host of the Mom-Talk Podcast, & co curator of Faces of the Tri-Cities, a book celebrating women and community leaders making meaningful impact. 

Genevieve is a passionate mother of two young boys, a deep thinker, and a woman of action. She saw the need for a supportive space where mothers could share their experiences, overcome isolation, and build meaningful friendships. What started as a simple lunch gathering in her home has grown into a thriving community of over 600 moms and inspired a podcast. In this episode, Genevieve shares 15 practical strategies and insights on the importance of connection, the risks of overbooking boys, and how to create a balanced, supportive environment for them to thrive.

Genevieve Kyle-Lefebvre is the founder and main host of the Mom-Talk Podcast, a warm and honest space where mothers connect, share, and grow through candid conversations with parenting experts. The podcast was inspired by the mom lunches Genevieve hosted before the pandemic, gatherings that nurtured real connection and support among mothers. A devoted mom of two energetic boys, Genevieve brings authenticity and heart to every episode. She is also a journalist with Tri-Cities Community TV and co-author and co-curator of Faces Tri-Cities, a book celebrating women and community leaders making meaningful impact. Bilingual and culturally rooted, Genevieve has shared parenting insights through her French-language radio segment, continuing to uplift families through meaningful dialogue and connection. 

The hidden dangers of over-scheduling boys in structured activities.

How modern busy lifestyles affect boys' emotional well-being.

Connection builds trust & emotional safety

Creating space for emotional attachment

Overbooking increases stress & burnout

Signs of over-scheduling in boys

Downtime is essential for creativity & problem-solving

Boys need opportunities for self-leadership

Physical activity vs. overbooking

Mental health needs space & rest

Be proactive, not reactive

Boys & self-regulation

The Power of Hugs 

Website: gklcreative.ca.

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momtalkpodcast1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenttalkpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParentTalk2U

If you loved this episode, please leave us a review and share it with a friend who needs to hear this message! Looking for more support raising your boy? Visit sonhoodcoaching.com for more.

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys

This season, we’re diving deep into the world of boys—exploring what it takes to raise them to become remarkable young men. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and passionate advocate for boys’ emotional well-being, this podcast offers real-life stories, expert insights, and practical strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers navigating the unique challenges of raising boys.

In Season 2, we’re focusing on boys' emotional worlds—understanding their behavior, building stronger connections, and helping them grow into confident, resilient individuals. Through heartfelt conversations and shared experiences, we’ll uncover the struggles, joys, and breakthroughs of parenting boys.

*Stories from parents, teachers, and caregivers that shed light on the complexities of raising boys.

*Strategies to support boys in managing emotions, forming healthy relationships, and building self-esteem.

*Insights that will empower you in understanding how to nurture the boy in your life and set him up for success.

Whether you're raising a toddler, a teen, or anywhere in between, this season is all about celebrating and supporting boys—and the parents who guide them. Tune in for heart-centered conversations, expert advice, and practical tools to unlock the parenting code for boys.Share your parenting story with us here. Visit SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more and subscribe!

Sonhood Coaching focuses on the emotional well-being of boys, helping parents nurture their sons to become remarkable men. Through courses, coaching, and resources, we empower families to better understand and support the inner emotional world of boys. Explore SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more about our programs and services.

Looking to transform your relationship with your son? Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for valuable resources and expert support.

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys, Kathy sits down with Brittinie Tran, a mother of three, nonprofit leader, and podcast host. Brittinie shares her journey of adopting her three children in California, traveling the country in a renovated camper, and finally settling in North Carolina, all while prioritizing family bonds and community support.

She also talks about her nonprofit, Hot Mess Express, which helps overwhelmed moms by tackling household tasks, and the importance of normalizing asking for help—especially for boys. This conversation dives deep into the power of community, the role of mothers, navigating adoption discussions, and raising children in a digital world.

Brittinie’s Journey to Parenthood & Family Life on the Road

• Moving from the Midwest to California and adopting all three children as newborns.
• Realizing the challenges of raising kids without family support and the decision to move to North Carolina.
• Spending a year traveling in a camper as a family of five, balancing homeschooling with being in the moment.
• The impact of travel on adaptability and family bonding.

Strengthening Family Bonds Through Adventure

• How living in close quarters brought their family closer together.
• The lasting imprint on the children and the hope that they will embark on similar adventures with their own families.

The Power of Community & Supporting Other Moms

• The importance of having a strong support system.
• How community and connection impact parenting.
• The challenges women face in comparing themselves to others and setting high standards.
• Discussion on the need for similar community spaces for men and dads.

The Mission of Hot Mess Express

• Helping overwhelmed moms with everyday tasks like laundry, cleaning, and dishes.
• Instilling values of volunteerism and community in her children.
• Brittinie’s daughter starting a kid’s version of Hot Mess Express.
• Teaching children to offer help, pay attention, and take action.

Encouraging Boys to Ask for Help & Express Emotion

• The stigma boys face when showing vulnerability.
• How Brittinie encourages her sons to see asking for help as an act of courage.
• The difference in emotional expression between her daughter and sons.
• The importance of parents modeling the behaviors they want to teach.

Navigating Conversations About Adoption & Belonging

• Celebrating their unique family journey in a positive light.
• Encouraging open and honest discussions about adoption.
• Belief in fate and destiny bringing their family together.

Setting Boundaries with Technology

• Brittinie’s strict stance on limiting internet and social media use for her children.
• The impact of screens replacing real-life community and connection.

Final Thoughts 

• The importance of being vulnerable with your kids.
• Showing children that parents are real humans navigating challenges too.
• Emphasizing adventure, presence, and creating meaningful connections.

Brittinie Tran understands the reality of womanhood and motherhood—no pretending, no judgment. Her passion for authentic connection led her to create and host Girl, Same the podcast and serve as President of Hot Mess Express nonprofit.

Recognizing Hot Mess Express's potential early on, Brittinie transformed it into a thriving nonprofit and has led it as President for three years. Her dedication to building supportive communities has empowered countless women, making a deeply fulfilling impact.

For 18 years, Brittinie moved around the country, seeking her "tribe"—a group of girlfriends to laugh with and share openly. Finally finding that connection inspired Girl, Same, a girls-night-style podcast, filled with real conversation, laughter, advice, and support. Whether expanding your circle or creating new friendships, Brittinie and her guests offer a space where every woman feels seen and heard.

Connect with Brittinie Tran

• Hot Mess Express Nonprofit: @hotmessexpress.nonprofit
• Girl, Same Podcast: @girlsamethepodcast 
• Instagram:@brittiniechristine
• Website:@brittinietran.com 

More from Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys

• Website: @sonhoodcoaching.com
• Raising Boys Who Become Remarkable Men
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryne-imabayashi/
• https://www.instagram.com/sonhoodcoaching/
• https://www.facebook.com/sonhoodcoaching
• https://www.youtube.com/@sonhoodcoaching

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Share this episode with a fellow parent who could benefit from Brittinie’s insights on family, community, and raising resilient kids!

#UnlockingTheParentingCode #HotMessExpress #RaisingBoys #ParentingCommunity#SonhoodCoaching

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys

This season, we’re diving deep into the world of boys—exploring what it takes to raise them to become remarkable young men. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and passionate advocate for boys’ emotional well-being, this podcast offers real-life stories, expert insights, and practical strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers navigating the unique challenges of raising boys.

In Season 2, we’re focusing on boys' emotional worlds—understanding their behavior, building stronger connections, and helping them grow into confident, resilient individuals. Through heartfelt conversations and shared experiences, we’ll uncover the struggles, joys, and breakthroughs of parenting boys.

*Stories from parents, teachers, and caregivers that shed light on the complexities of raising boys.

*Strategies to support boys in managing emotions, forming healthy relationships, and building self-esteem.

*Insights that will empower you in understanding how to nurture the boy in your life and set him up for success.

Whether you're raising a toddler, a teen, or anywhere in between, this season is all about celebrating and supporting boys—and the parents who guide them. Tune in for heart-centered conversations, expert advice, and practical tools to unlock the parenting code for boys.Share your parenting story with us here. Visit SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more and subscribe!

Sonhood Coaching focuses on the emotional well-being of boys, helping parents nurture their sons to become remarkable men. Through courses, coaching, and resources, we empower families to better understand and support the inner emotional world of boys. Explore SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more about our programs and services.

Looking to transform your relationship with your son? Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for valuable resources and expert support.

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys, host Kathy sits down with Sabrina Trobak,  a registered clinical counsellor, former educator, and author of Not Good Enough: Understanding Your Core Belief and Anxiety. Sabrina shares her expertise on core beliefs, particularly the damaging notion of 'not good enough' that many individuals struggle with from childhood into adulthood. She explains how these beliefs develop, their impact on mental health—especially in men—and how parents can instill confidence and self-worth in their children.

Sabrina also discusses her personal parenting transformation when her sons were 9 and 10, societal shifts in men’s emotional well-being, and practical tools to reshape limiting core beliefs.

Sabrina Trobak is a registered clinical counsellor based in Fort St. John, BC, Canada, with a Master’s in Counselling Psychology.  She is the author of Not Good Enough: Understanding Your Core Belief and Anxiety and the founder of Trobak Holistic Counselling. With a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, she has worked as a teacher, vice principal, and school counsellor before transitioning into private practice.

Sabrina specializes in helping individuals recognize, challenge, and transform core beliefs such as ‘not good enough, not important, and not valued’ into affirming and self-empowering perspectives.

As a mother of two adult sons, Sabrina transformed her parenting approach when they were 9 and 10, shifting toward fostering self-worth, emotional awareness, and resilience in her boys. She now continues to support them as adults while helping others reshape their self-perception through counselling, public speaking, and mental health advocacy.

Beyond her work, Sabrina enjoys pottery, water spin classes, and kayaking in the summer months.

*Sabrina’s Personal Journey: The turning point when her boys were 9 and 10 and how that experience reshaped her parenting and professional path. How integrating new therapeutic insights into her life allowed her to overcome the "not good enough" core belief.

Understanding Core Beliefs: What core beliefs are, why they become so deeply ingrained, and the role of unconscious gender bias and cultural masculinity in their development.

The Shift in Men’s Mental Health: Observations on why more men are now reaching out for mental and emotional support. Discussion on how societal pressures and modern conversations around mental health are challenging old stereotypes.

Common Themes in Male Clients: An exploration of recurring issues such as anxiety masked as anger, depression, and feelings of being unappreciated, which often underlie the "not good enough" mindset.

Societal Expectations & Masculinity: How traditional notions of masculinity impact men’s willingness to express vulnerability and seek help. Whether we’re witnessing a cultural shift that encourages men to be more open about their emotional struggles.

Parenting for Self-Worth: Strategies for nurturing the core belief of being "good enough, important, and valued" in boys. The influence of a mother’s role on a boy’s sense of self-worth and emotional security, and insights on breaking generational and societal stereotypes.

Success Stories & Transformations: Real-life examples from Sabrina’s counselling practice where challenging negative core beliefs led to profound personal growth.

Practical Tools for Self-Help: Exercises and strategies that parents and individuals can adopt to start reshaping limiting core beliefs and promote healthier emotional expression.

Website: Trobak Holistic Counselling

Facebook: Trobak Holistic Counselling

YouTube: @trobakholisticcounselling4407

TikTok: @nge_core_belief

Instagram: @nge_trobak

LinkedIn: Sabrina Trobak

If you loved this episode, please leave us a review and share it with a friend who needs to hear this message! Looking for more support raising your boy? Visit sonhoodcoaching.com for more.

Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys

This season, we’re diving deep into the world of boys—exploring what it takes to raise them to become remarkable young men. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and passionate advocate for boys’ emotional well-being, this podcast offers real-life stories, expert insights, and practical strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers navigating the unique challenges of raising boys.

In Season 2, we’re focusing on boys' emotional worlds—understanding their behavior, building stronger connections, and helping them grow into confident, resilient individuals. Through heartfelt conversations and shared experiences, we’ll uncover the struggles, joys, and breakthroughs of parenting boys.

*Stories from parents, teachers, and caregivers that shed light on the complexities of raising boys.

*Strategies to support boys in managing emotions, forming healthy relationships, and building self-esteem.

*Insights that will empower you in understanding how to nurture the boy in your life and set him up for success.

Whether you're raising a toddler, a teen, or anywhere in between, this season is all about celebrating and supporting boys—and the parents who guide them. Tune in for heart-centered conversations, expert advice, and practical tools to unlock the parenting code for boys. Share your parenting story with us here. Visit SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more and subscribe!

Sonhood Coaching focuses on the emotional well-being of boys, helping parents nurture their sons to become remarkable men. Through courses, coaching, and resources, we empower families to better understand and support the inner emotional world of boys. Explore SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more about our programs and services.

Looking to transform your relationship with your son? Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for valuable resources and expert support.

What do Navy SEAL training, an arranged kidnapping, and children’s books about self-worth have in common? Today’s guest, Gina, has one of the most unexpected journeys into understanding resilience, teamwork, and the power of belonging. Growing up, she was constantly trying to “fit in with the boys,” but what she really needed was to belong. She trained with a Navy SEAL, learning firsthand how shifting your focus from yourself to others can transform your mindset. Now, she’s on a mission to help kids build confidence and emotional resilience through storytelling. If you’re raising a child—or just trying to figure out this thing called life—you don’t want to miss this conversation!

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code:ALL ABOUT BOYS!, we’re joined by Gina Casazza. In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Gina shares how her unconventional life experiences—including signing up for an arranged kidnapping and later training with a Navy SEAL—helped her understand resilience, confidence, and the true meaning of belonging. Now an author and speaker, she teaches kids self-worth through storytelling, mindset strategies, and creative engagement. Together, we dive into the challenges kids (especially boys) face today and how parents can help their children develop emotional strength, confidence, and a deep sense of belonging.

The Battle Between Fitting In vs. Belonging: Growing up as a competitive, determined girl in a male-dominated space.

Lessons from Training with a Navy SEAL:  Why Gina originally signed up for an arranged kidnapping (yes, really) and how that led her to Navy SEAL training.

The Pressure on Men & Misconceptions About Masculinity: Men in their 20s often face immense pressure as providers and protectors, yet societal shifts have changed traditional roles.

Awareness is Everything: Boys are not being taught about their emotions or even their hormones, like testosterone, which play a huge role in behavior and confidence.

The Power of Storytelling in Building Confidence & Resilience: Children absorb the world without the filters that adults have—what parents say about them shapes their self-perception.

Gina Casazza is a children’s author, podcast host, and speaker dedicated to helping kids and adults build resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging. As the creator of the beloved Cosmo the Alien book series, she inspires young readers with stories of self-worth, courage, and transformation.

Through her podcast, Mindset Lessons from the Field, she dives deep into mental toughness, personal growth, and the mindset shifts needed to overcome life’s biggest challenges. Drawing from her own journey in a Navy SEAL prep program, she speaks on stage, empowering audiences to embrace discipline, push past fear, and unlock their full potential. 

Www.ginacasazza.com

https://www.instagram.com/ginamcasazza/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-casazza-97b82226/

https://www.facebook.com/gna.casazza.1

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cosmothealien/you-really-truly-are-enough-an-empowering-childrens-book?ref=user_menu&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYFuRiFcY6idQBX5iNubHtRche2X9P-YihK7LUI7Vgqp7eBX9n3BInu9AY_aem_jhEyW3bcAoAgRlJKnj8brQ

#Parenting #RaisingBoys #BuildingBelonging #HealthyMasculinity #NavySEALMindset #UnlockingTheParentingCode #Sonhoodcoaching #YouReallyTrulyDoBelong 

This episode is packed with jaw-dropping stories and deep insights into what it really takes to build resilience—both in ourselves and in our kids. If you want to raise a confident, emotionally strong child, don’t miss this one. And if you’ve ever wondered how Navy SEAL training and children’s books go together… well, press play and find out!

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys

This season, we’re diving deep into the world of boys—exploring what it takes to raise them to become remarkable young men. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and passionate advocate for boys’ emotional well-being, this podcast offers real-life stories, expert insights, and practical strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers navigating the unique challenges of raising boys.

In Season 2, we’re focusing on boys' emotional worlds—understanding their behavior, building stronger connections, and helping them grow into confident, resilient individuals. Through heartfelt conversations and shared experiences, we’ll uncover the struggles, joys, and breakthroughs of parenting boys.

*Stories from parents, teachers, and caregivers that shed light on the complexities of raising boys.

*Strategies to support boys in managing emotions, forming healthy relationships, and building self-esteem.

*Insights that will empower you in understanding how to nurture the boy in your life and set him up for success.

Whether you're raising a toddler, a teen, or anywhere in between, this season is all about celebrating and supporting boys—and the parents who guide them. Tune in for heart-centered conversations, expert advice, and practical tools to unlock the parenting code for boys.Share your parenting story with us here. Visit SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more and subscribe!

Sonhood Coaching focuses on the emotional well-being of boys, helping parents nurture their sons to become remarkable men. Through courses, coaching, and resources, we empower families to better understand and support the inner emotional world of boys. Explore SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more about our programs and services.

Looking to transform your relationship with your son? Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for valuable resources and expert support.

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: ALL ABOUT BOYS, I’m sharing a recorded webinar I presented to a men’s group this past summer. This session, Fathers & Sons, dives into the unique relationship between fathers and their sons, exploring the emotional world of boys, the evolving definition of masculinity, and the role fathers play in shaping their sons' lives.

For nearly 30 years, I’ve studied and worked with boys to understand their inner world, the pressures they face, and the impact of society’s expectations. In this episode, I discuss the crisis many men and boys are facing today, the shifting gender dynamics in education and the workforce, and the harmful narrative of toxic masculinity. I highlight the incredible influence fathers or male mentors can have in fostering emotional security, building strong connections, and guiding boys to develop a healthy sense of masculinity.

I also share a personal story about what sparked my journey into this work—the realization that my own son, now 31, would grow up in a world where simply being male could make others perceive him as a threat. This pivotal moment led me to explore the messages we send our boys and how we, as parents, can counteract harmful stereotypes while embracing their true emotional needs.

Key Takeaways:

• The evolving definition of masculinity and how societal changes impact men and boys today
• The concept of ‘The Boy Code’ and how unconscious gender biases shape a boy’s self-perception
• The importance of a father’s role in creating emotional security and connection
• Connection, communication, and discipline.
• The staggering statistics on men’s mental health and why male suicide rates remain alarmingly high
• Practical ways fathers can foster deep, meaningful relationships with their sons

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with other fathers, sons, and men in your life. Let’s continue this conversation and work together to raise boys who feel valued, understood, and emotionally secure. Don’t forget to subscribe to Unlocking the Parenting Code and leave a review—it helps us reach more parents who need these insights.

Connect with Me:

• Website: https://sonhoodcoaching.com

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys

This season, we’re diving deep into the world of boys—exploring what it takes to raise them to become remarkable young men. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and passionate advocate for boys’ emotional well-being, this podcast offers real-life stories, expert insights, and practical strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers navigating the unique challenges of raising boys.

In Season 2, we’re focusing on boys' emotional worlds—understanding their behavior, building stronger connections, and helping them grow into confident, resilient individuals. Through heartfelt conversations and shared experiences, we’ll uncover the struggles, joys, and breakthroughs of parenting boys.

*Stories from parents, teachers, and caregivers that shed light on the complexities of raising boys.

*Strategies to support boys in managing emotions, forming healthy relationships, and building self-esteem.

*Insights that will empower you in understanding how to nurture the boy in your life and set him up for success.

Whether you're raising a toddler, a teen, or anywhere in between, this season is all about celebrating and supporting boys—and the parents who guide them. Tune in for heart-centered conversations, expert advice, and practical tools to unlock the parenting code for boys.Share your parenting story with us here. Visit SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more and subscribe!

Sonhood Coaching focuses on the emotional well-being of boys, helping parents nurture their sons to become remarkable men. Through courses, coaching, and resources, we empower families to better understand and support the inner emotional world of boys. Explore SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more about our programs and services.

Looking to transform your relationship with your son? Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for valuable resources and expert support.

What’s the one thing that could have the biggest impact on your parenting? What’s the secret to understanding your son’s behavior—especially when he misbehaves? And what’s the one shift that could change everything?

In this solo episode, Kathy unlocks the parenting code by exploring how unconscious biases shape the way we see and support boys. If you've ever struggled to connect emotionally with your son or wondered if you're doing enough to guide him, this episode is for you.

KEY TOPICS

✔ How unconscious biases influence our expectations of boys

✔ Why boys may struggle with emotional expression—and how we can help

✔ The importance of connecting before correcting

✔ How gender shapes parenting approaches and communication styles

✔ Small, intentional shifts that create a safe space for boys to be their full, authentic selves

Your Host’s Bio:

Kathy Imabayashi is a seasoned educator, parenting coach, educational consultant, and advocate for boys’ emotional well-being. With decades of experience in early education and school leadership, she helps parents understand and support their sons in becoming confident, compassionate, and emotionally strong men. Through Unlocking the Parenting Code, her book - Raising Boys Who Become Remarkable Men, coaching, consulting and online resources, Kathy empowers parents with the tools they need to raise remarkable boys in today’s world.

Free resources & more support for parents at: sonhoodcoaching.com

Share this episode with a friend raising boys—let’s change the conversation together!

#RaisingBoys #ParentingTips #EmotionalIntelligence #BoyhoodMatters #UnlockingTheParentingCode #Sonhoodcoaching

Until next time, keep unlocking the parenting code!

This season, we’re diving deep into the world of boys—exploring what it takes to raise them to become remarkable young men. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and passionate advocate for boys’ emotional well-being, this podcast offers real-life stories, expert insights, and practical strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers navigating the unique challenges of raising boys.

In Season 2, we’re focusing on boys' emotional worlds—understanding their behavior, building stronger connections, and helping them grow into confident, resilient individuals. Through heartfelt conversations and shared experiences, we’ll uncover the struggles, joys, and breakthroughs of parenting boys.

*Stories from parents, teachers, and caregivers that shed light on the complexities of raising boys.

*Strategies to support boys in managing emotions, forming healthy relationships, and building self-esteem.

*Insights that will empower you in understanding how to nurture the boy in your life and set him up for success.

Whether you're raising a toddler, a teen, or anywhere in between, this season is all about celebrating and supporting boys—and the parents who guide them. Tune in for heart-centered conversations, expert advice, and practical tools to unlock the parenting code for boys.Share your parenting story with us here. Visit SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more and subscribe!

Sonhood Coaching focuses on the emotional well-being of boys, helping parents nurture their sons to become remarkable men. Through courses, coaching, and resources, we empower families to better understand and support the inner emotional world of boys. Explore SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more about our programs and services.

Looking to transform your relationship with your son? Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for valuable resources and expert support.

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code:ALL ABOUT BOYS!, we’re joined by Stacey Wallenstein, also known as The Mint Chip Mama. A well-known blogger and parenting advocate, Stacey has been sharing her journey of motherhood for over a decade. From navigating the early days as a first-time mom to raising three kids (15, 11, and 8), she opens up about parenting struggles, wins, and lessons learned along the way.

We dive into the power of mom communities, fostering strong sibling relationships, encouraging independence, and the ever-evolving challenge of screen time. Plus, Stacey shares her family’s favorite traditions, why open communication with kids is key, and how parents can stand firm in their values—even when it’s tough.

Tune in for a heartwarming and insightful conversation that every parent will relate to!

*How The Mint Chip Mama blog started and Stacey’s journey from writer to blogger to parenting advocate.

*The importance of mom groups and how early connections impact the parenting experience.

*Raising three kids with different personalities—and how gender can shape parenting approaches.

*Why fostering independence in kids through responsibilities like making their own lunches builds confidence and resilience.

*Navigating parenting challenges when other families have different rules and expectations.

*How to have meaningful conversations with your children, especially boys, by using open-ended questions and leaning into their interests.

*The impact of screen time on today’s children—and why Stacey believes it’s stealing a key part of childhood.

*The role of family traditions, from hiking to Friday night movies, in strengthening family bonds.

*How allowing kids to choose their own consequences for misbehavior can be surprisingly effective.

*Stacey’s nightly gratitude practice with her kids—and why it’s a powerful mindset shift.

Stacey Wallenstein is the creator of The Mint Chip Mama, a well established parenting blog she launched over ten years ago. She started writing for various publications but wanted to create a space where she could share her experiences as both an individual and a mother. Her first viral piece, How to Raise Siblings as an Only Child, was picked up by Huffington Post and helped propel her into the parenting blog world. Since then, Stacey has written about everything from early motherhood to suburban life, sharing honest and relatable stories along the way. She is also the founder of a parenting center that supports new moms, offering a six-week group experience that fosters lasting connections. When she’s not writing or parenting her three kids, you can find Stacey hiking, playing family games, or enjoying a Friday night movie with her crew.

🔗 Follow Stacey Wallenstein (The Mint Chip Mama) on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/themintchipmama

https://www.facebook.com/TheMintChipMama/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceygishwallenstein/

🔗 Read her blogs at https://themintchipmama.com/

#ParentingBoys #TheMintChipMama#MomBlogger #ParentAdvocate #ScreenTimeDebate #UnlockingTheParentingCode #Sonhoodcoaching

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys

This season, we’re diving deep into the world of boys—exploring what it takes to raise them to become remarkable young men. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and passionate advocate for boys’ emotional well-being, this podcast offers real-life stories, expert insights, and practical strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers navigating the unique challenges of raising boys.

In Season 2, we’re focusing on boys' emotional worlds—understanding their behavior, building stronger connections, and helping them grow into confident, resilient individuals. Through heartfelt conversations and shared experiences, we’ll uncover the struggles, joys, and breakthroughs of parenting boys.

*Stories from parents, teachers, and caregivers that shed light on the complexities of raising boys.

*Strategies to support boys in managing emotions, forming healthy relationships, and building self-esteem.

*Insights that will empower you in understanding how to nurture the boy in your life and set him up for success.

Whether you're raising a toddler, a teen, or anywhere in between, this season is all about celebrating and supporting boys—and the parents who guide them. Tune in for heart-centered conversations, expert advice, and practical tools to unlock the parenting code for boys.Share your parenting story with us here. Visit SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more and subscribe!

Sonhood Coaching focuses on the emotional well-being of boys, helping parents nurture their sons to become remarkable men. Through courses, coaching, and resources, we empower families to better understand and support the inner emotional world of boys. Explore SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more about our programs and services.

Looking to transform your relationship with your son? Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for valuable resources and expert support.

Welcome back to Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys! Today, we have a deeply insightful and personal conversation with Liz Garcia, a devoted wife and mother of four, including adopted twins and two biological children. Liz’s parenting journey has been anything but ordinary—filled with unexpected challenges, cultural differences, and the complexities of raising both biological and adopted children. Through resilience and determination, she has turned her experiences into wisdom that she now shares to support other parents on similar paths.

• Parenting through adoption & biological birth – How Liz navigated raising her twins, adopted from another culture and language, alongside her biological sons
• Understanding boys’ behavior – The differences she noticed in her sons and how early trauma shaped their emotions and actions.
• Breaking misconceptions about parenting boys – How cultural norms, gender expectations, and school environments influenced her children's development.
• The struggle of “wacky behaviors” – The hidden challenges parents face when their child behaves differently at home versus in public.
• Advocating for your child – Liz’s journey through 30+ therapists before finding the right support and her advice for parents fighting to be heard.
• The father’s role & gender bias – How parenting styles and cultural norms shape boys’ self-perception and development.
• Parenting lessons learned – The power of resilience, persistence, and giving yourself grace.

Liz Garcia is the founder of The Simplified Struggle, a parent coaching group, Liz provides support and guidance to foster and adoptive parents everywhere. Through her organization, she offers valuable strategies to help parents be heard and manage wacky behaviors that no one else sees. Her approach emphasizes responding, not reacting, and provides parents with the tools to stop the nonsense, advocate for what their child needs and nurture the family in a non-traditional way. 

Links

The Simplified Struggle – https://www.thesimplifiedstruggle.com/ Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TheSimplifiedStruggle

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thesimplifiedstruggle/

Hashtags

#ParentingBoys #AdoptionJourney #TraumaInformedParenting #ParentAdvocate #ResilientParenting #UnlockingTheParentingCode #RaisingGoodHumans #Sonhoodcoaching

Liz’s story is a powerful reminder that no parenting journey is the same, and trusting your instincts as a parent is essential. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with other parents who might need this conversation.

For more resources on raising boys, visit SonhoodCoaching.com.

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys

This season, we’re diving deep into the world of boys—exploring what it takes to raise them to become remarkable young men. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and passionate advocate for boys’ emotional well-being, this podcast offers real-life stories, expert insights, and practical strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers navigating the unique challenges of raising boys.

In Season 2, we’re focusing on boys' emotional worlds—understanding their behavior, building stronger connections, and helping them grow into confident, resilient individuals. Through heartfelt conversations and shared experiences, we’ll uncover the struggles, joys, and breakthroughs of parenting boys.

*Stories from parents, teachers, and caregivers that shed light on the complexities of raising boys.

*Strategies to support boys in managing emotions, forming healthy relationships, and building self-esteem.

*Insights that will empower you in understanding how to nurture the boy in your life and set him up for success.

Whether you're raising a toddler, a teen, or anywhere in between, this season is all about celebrating and supporting boys—and the parents who guide them. Tune in for heart-centered conversations, expert advice, and practical tools to unlock the parenting code for boys.Share your parenting story with us here. Visit SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more and subscribe!

Sonhood Coaching focuses on the emotional well-being of boys, helping parents nurture their sons to become remarkable men. Through courses, coaching, and resources, we empower families to better understand and support the inner emotional world of boys. Explore SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more about our programs and services.

Looking to transform your relationship with your son? Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for valuable resources and expert support.

In this initial solo episode, Kathy dives into the hidden rules of the "Boy Code" and its impact on boys' emotional well-being. Why are boys struggling in school, mental health, and relationships? How do societal norms discourage boys from expressing their emotions, leading to long-term harm?

Kathy uncovers the roots of these issues and shares practical strategies to help parents and caregivers support boys in navigating their emotional world. From understanding the "Man Box" to breaking free of harmful stereotypes, this episode equips you with some tools to help your boys thrive.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What is the "Boy Code," and how does it shape boys’ behavior?
• The surprising statistics about boys' struggles in education and mental health.
• How societal expectations harm boys’ ability to form healthy relationships.
• Practical strategies to nurture emotional expression and resilience in boys.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Raising Boys Who Become Remarkable Men
• The Silent Crisis: Male Suicide
• Richard Reeves

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys

This season, we’re diving deep into the world of boys—exploring what it takes to raise them to become remarkable young men. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and passionate advocate for boys’ emotional well-being, this podcast offers real-life stories, expert insights, and practical strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers navigating the unique challenges of raising boys.

In Season 2, we’re focusing on boys' emotional worlds—understanding their behavior, building stronger connections, and helping them grow into confident, resilient individuals. Through heartfelt conversations and shared experiences, we’ll uncover the struggles, joys, and breakthroughs of parenting boys.

*Stories from parents, teachers, and caregivers that shed light on the complexities of raising boys.

*Strategies to support boys in managing emotions, forming healthy relationships, and building self-esteem.

*Insights that will empower you in understanding how to nurture the boy in your life and set him up for success.

Whether you're raising a toddler, a teen, or anywhere in between, this season is all about celebrating and supporting boys—and the parents who guide them. Tune in for heart-centered conversations, expert advice, and practical tools to unlock the parenting code for boys.Share your parenting story with us here. Visit SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more and subscribe!

Sonhood Coaching focuses on the emotional well-being of boys, helping parents nurture their sons to become remarkable men. Through courses, coaching, and resources, we empower families to better understand and support the inner emotional world of boys. Explore SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more about our programs and services.

Looking to transform your relationship with your son? Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for valuable resources and expert support.