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.

Purposeful Play: Raising Boys Who Learn by Doing

Is your son always on the move, building, pretending, or turning life into a game? You’re not alone—and it’s not just play, it’s purposeful learning!

In this inspiring episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, veteran kindergarten teacher and boy mom Kathy Baer joins Suzy Shaw and Cheryl Bohn to break down how purposeful play builds brain development, supports emotional growth, and teaches vital life skills like communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

💡 Discover how simple activities—like playing with a cardboard box—can spark imagination, boost confidence, and even improve learning outcomes. 👦 Hear powerful stories from Kathy’s 36 years in the classroom (including one that might bring you to tears). 🏠 Get creative ideas for summer play that doesn’t require fancy toys or nonstop supervision.

Raising Boys with Brains in Mind: A Guide to Their Development

What’s really going on inside your son’s head? In this episode, international speaker and bestselling author Mike Kuczala joins Suzy Shaw and Cheryl Bohn to explore how boys’ brains develop—from birth through adolescence—and why movement is essential to their growth and learning.

From kinesthetic learning to puberty and screen time, Mike explains how physical activity, emotional support, and environment shape boys’ ability to focus, thrive, and mature. Whether you're raising a toddler or navigating the teenage “man cub” years, this conversation will help you better understand, support, and connect with your son at every stage.

🎧 Listen for expert insights, practical parenting tips, and science-backed strategies you can use at home.