Supporting emotional development and empathy in boys

In this episode host Alicia Randford and psychologist Rachel Samson explore the emotional development of young boys. Rachel discusses ways we can encourage boys to express their feelings and navigate through big emotions. She explains how building empathy and connection are key to helping boys become emotionally resilient. 

Rachel also shares some of the common misconceptions about boys and their emotional expressions, while emphasising that it is never too late to support children’s emotional development. 

In this episode you will hear: 

• The ways children learn to show emotions in their early years and how parents can help children navigate their emotions at any age [00:02:53].
•  The behaviours parents may see in an anxious or overwhelmed boy [00:09:52].
•  About the roles connection and empathy play in helping boys to feel emotionally safe [00:14:04].
•  How talking to boys about their emotions and demonstrating emotional openness helps to build healthy emotional development [00:20:40]. 

Further information and resources:

Masculinity and raising boys to be good men

Connection and belonging 

Five ways to support your children’s mental health 

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