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.