Parenting your teenage son used to be fun, the laughter, the easy connection, the hugs. Now it feels like silence, arguments, or distance. You wonder if you’ve messed something up. In this episode, Heidi unpacks why parenting stops feeling fun and how uncertainty steals your joy. You’ll learn the one mindset shift that will change everything, plus three ways to bring joy and connection back into your relationship right now. You’ll hear real client stories, science-backed insight, and a heart-to-heart reminder that you and your son really are going to be okay. 👉 Listen in to discover how to bring fun and freedom back to motherhood, even when your teen’s behavior feels unpredictable.   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

Balance sounds amazing, but it often feels impossible. Between work, schedules, and trying to actually sleep, most moms feel like they’re failing somewhere. In this episode, Heidi talks with leadership coach Denise Tallcott, founder of Working Moms Redefined, about what balance really looks like and how to stop beating yourself up for not “doing it all.” They unpack the truth behind mom guilt, how to give yourself permission to parent differently than your mom did, and why defining your own version of success brings peace and connection at home (especially with teenage sons). Denise also shares her simple “9 Minutes a Day for a Lifetime of Connection” framework;  three small moments that can change everything - Grab it HERE If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or “not enough,” this one’s for you.   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE   More about Denise:   For more information about Denise visit:  Workingmomsredefined.com

What happens when we make life too easy for our boys? In this episode, Heidi shares the powerful truth behind a phrase her husband told her years ago: “Spoiled boys make weak men.” This isn’t about judgment or shame it’s about awareness. Heidi walks through the research on how overindulgence, overparenting, and avoiding conflict weaken a boy’s ability to grow into a capable, resilient man. You’ll learn three practical ways to help your son develop strength and responsibility whil e keeping connection front and center. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I helping too much?” or felt guilty saying no, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and permission to raise a boy who can handle life with confidence. Listen now to get your courage back and rediscover the joy in raising strong sons.   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE  

Do you ever look at your teenage son and think, “He’s capable of so much more, what’s stopping him?” You’re not alone. In this episode of Raising Boys, Building Men, Heidi shares the truth about confidence.  And it’s not built by pep talks or praise. It’s built through experience. You’ll learn three powerful ways to help your teenage son strengthen his confidence and self-esteem without nagging, rescuing, or pushing: Let him struggle safely (and why that matters) Give him meaningful responsibility Encourage him to serve others These small but powerful shifts will help your son develop grit, self-trust, and a sense of purpose which is the real foundation of confidence.   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

If you’ve ever taken your son’s phone away and watched him lose it, you are not alone. In this episode of Raising Boys, Building Men, Heidi sits down with screen-time expert and mom of five, Andrea Davis, founder of Better Screen Time. Together, they talk about what healthy tech boundaries really look like, how to know if your son is ready for a phone, and how to stop parenting from fear when it comes to screens. You’ll learn practical ways to set limits, build trust, and create a family tech plan that actually works. Plus, Andrea shares a free self-evaluation tool for parents and teens to decide if now is the right time for a device. This isn’t about control it’s about connection, confidence, and protecting what matters most.   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE  

One year ago, Heidi hit “record” on the very first episode of Raising Boys, Building Men with one goal: to give moms of boys a voice of truth and hope. Since then, she’s talked with psychologists, educators, and hundreds of moms who are all asking the same question: Will my son be okay? Am I doing enough? In this special anniversary episode, Heidi shares the five biggest lessons she’s learned after a year of podcasting. You’ll hear why boys are struggling, what moms often misunderstand, and how much power you actually hold in your son’s life. If you’ve ever blamed yourself for your son’s struggles, wondered if you’re doing it right, or simply needed a reminder that you’re not alone, this episode is for you. Listen now to hear the truths every mom of boys needs to know.   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE  

Does your teenage son shrug his shoulders and mutter, “I don’t care” whenever you ask about school, friends, or the future? You are not alone and it’s not as hopeless as it feels. In today’s episode of Raising Boys, Building Men, Heidi unpacks what’s really happening when your son seems totally checked out. Spoiler: it’s almost always one of two things. You’ll learn how to tell the difference, and more importantly, how to respond in a way that draws him closer instead of pushing him further away. Heidi also shares three practical “mom moves” that help you connect with your son without nagging, pressuring, or fueling power struggles. If you’ve ever felt rejected by your son’s indifference, this episode will help you breathe easier and rebuild the connection you’re craving. 👉 Links mentioned in today’s episode: DO NOT miss out on our new 6-week group, "Unlock His Motivation".  Click HERE to register.  This group will be kept small and is first come, first served.   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

Feeling like you and your partner are parenting from different planets? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into why different parenting styles aren't the problem you think they are, when misalignment becomes dangerous, and practical ways to create a united front even when you don't always agree.   Your teenage son is watching every interaction between you and your co-parent. When parenting differences turn into open conflict, it creates insecurity and gives him cracks to exploit. But here's the good news: your son actually needs both perspectives to develop stronger problem-solving skills and resilience. In this episode you will: Learn the difference between healthy parenting differences and harmful conflict Discover 5 practical strategies to align on the big stuff without losing your authenticity Stop wasting energy trying to change your co-parent and focus where your influence is greatest Create peace in your home instead of constant parenting battles   🛑 DO NOT MISS joining our 6-week beta group - 'Unlock His Motivation'.  Get the details and register HERE   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

What's in Today's Episode Three powerhouse coaches—Molly Claire, Michelle Keil, and Maria Hendershot share their expertise on ditching the hustle culture, finding joy through creativity, and reclaiming your sense of self. We dive deep into why your relationship with yourself is the foundation for everything else, including raising confident sons who will become respectful men. Why This Matters to You Your teenage son is watching how you live, how you treat yourself, and what you prioritize. When you're constantly hustling, overwhelmed, and putting everyone else first, you're teaching him that's what adulthood looks like. But when you model self-care, boundaries, and joy? You're raising a man who will carry those values into his future relationships. Stop feeling guilty about taking care of yourself. This episode gives you permission and practical tools to slow down, reconnect with who you are, and show your son what healthy self-respect looks like. You'll learn simple ways to regulate your nervous system, find joy in small moments, and break the cycle of perfectionism that's exhausting you. Click HERE to get on the waitlist for "She Rises: Insights and wisdom from the women of the masterful coach collective"   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE   More About Our Amazing Guests Molly Claire:  Molly Claire is a 7-figure business builder, best- selling author of The Happy Mom Mindset, founder of The Masterful Coach Collective, and a single mom of 3. Molly has been featured on podcasts and stages across the U.S. for interviews and speaking engagements. She is best known for her ability to empower women to believe in their abilities and take the steps needed to create their dream business. She has a passion for helping women learn how to make more money while working less and making time for what matters most in their personal lives.  Get more at Mollyclaire.com   Maria Hendershot: Maria Hendershot is a master certified life coach who helps burned-out moms reclaim energy, joy, and purpose. With a background in life, health, and wellness coaching, she blends mindset, habits, and nervous system work in her 90-Day Joyful Reinvention Program to create lasting change. A longtime homeschooling mom of 20+ years, Maria helps women feel good enough to dream again—and bold enough to live a life they once thought was out of reach.  Get more at Joyfulreinvention.com   Michelle Keil: Michelle Keil, affectionately known as The Doodle Coach, is a Master Certified Holistic Coach and the creator of a unique coaching method who helps overwhelmed women quiet their inner critic, lighten their emotional load, and reconnect with who they truly are—through the surprisingly powerful tool of doodling. Her playful yet profound approach is faith-centered, science and evidence-informed, and rooted in years of training, including an Advanced Certification in Motherhood and Family Life. She weaves together creativity, faith, and nervous system-aware coaching to support women in finding grace in the margins of their lives. Michelle’s signature programs include Drawn to Grace, a 5-day guided doodle practice to build self-compassion, and Draw Yourself In, a 12-week coaching experience for women ready to release perfectionism and rediscover their true voice. She also leads The Doodle Lab, a monthly creative space for reflection, connection, and nervous system regulation—no art skills required. Whether through her courses, community, or one-on-one coaching, Michelle makes it safe, —and even fun—for women to l

This isn't your typical episode - it's raw, unscripted, and straight from my heart. I'm sharing the terrifying phone call I received from my 23-year-old son Luke during a political assassination at his university where he stood just yards away from the tragedy.  And what this experience taught me about raising resilient boys in a world filled with tragedy and fear. Why This Matters to You  Your son is consuming tragedy daily - school shootings, violence, political chaos - and his developing brain wasn't designed for this constant exposure. While you can't control the world around him, you CAN control how prepared he is to handle crisis and who he calls when life gets scary. Learn how to create a safe space for your son to process difficult events Discover the power of asking the right questions during crisis Understand why focusing on your relationship at home creates more change than scrolling social media Get practical tools for building resilience in your son's character Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

Screens are everywhere - phones, video games, streaming shows and it can feel like your son is disappearing into them. In this episode, I share 5 practical steps you can use today to set healthy boundaries around screens without constant arguments. Why This Matters to You (Mom of Boys):You don’t just want fewer battles over screens. You want connection. You want your son to grow into a motivated, balanced young man not someone stuck in a digital world. This episode gives you the confidence and tools to guide him without guilt, shame, or power struggles.   Todays Episode Will Help You: Learn why screens are so addictive to teen boys (and why it’s not their fault). Discover how to set clear boundaries without constant arguing. Walk away with practical ways to create a family media culture that works. Feel hopeful and back in control instead of overwhelmed. Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

If you're exhausted from the daily battles. The nagging, reminding, and repeating yourself isn't working it's actually creating MORE resistance. You want peaceful mornings and a son who takes responsibility, but you're stuck in a cycle of control that's damaging your relationship. In this episode we are talking about the real reason your teenage son is acting out during back-to-school season (hint: it's not what you think), why your well-intentioned hovering is making everything worse, and the game-changing shift that will transform your relationship from chaotic to connected in just a few weeks. Today you will: Discover what's really happening beneath your son's "attitude" during school transitions Learn the difference between leadership and micromanaging (and why it matters) Get the exact script for transferring power without losing your mind Understand why connection before correction changes everything Walk away with actionable steps to reduce drama starting TODAY Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE    

If you've ever sat with your head in your hands wondering "What am I doing wrong?" after your son's latest attitude explosion, this episode is your permission slip to STOP. You're not alone in this blame spiral - it's literally hardwired into us as moms. But here's the thing: that guilt isn't helping him learn accountability, and it's stealing your confidence as his guide.   In this episode we're diving deep into why moms automatically blame themselves when their teenage sons act out, slam doors, or get in trouble at school. I'm sharing why this self-blame is your default response, how it's actually hurting both you AND your son, and giving you practical steps to break free from the guilt cycle so you can show up as the confident mom your son needs.   You'll leave with : Understand the psychology behind why moms blame themselves (spoiler: it's not actually helpful) Learn to shift from guilt to curiosity - the game-changing parenting emotion Get scripts for conversations that give ownership back to your son Discover why boundaries aren't trauma - they're exactly what he's begging for Practical steps to stop the self-blame cycle starting today   Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

You're exhausted from the daily battles. You're worried he'll never learn to manage himself. And you're starting to wonder if all this nagging is destroying the connection you've worked so hard to build. This episode gives you permission to step back and a roadmap for how to do it successfully.   We're diving deep into the morning battlefield every mom of teenage sons knows too well. I'm sharing why you need to stop being his human alarm clock, how to pull facts from your dramatic stories, and the exact steps to give him ownership back without losing your mind or your relationship.   How This Episode Solves Your Problem End the morning chaos - Learn to separate facts from fear-based stories that fuel your frustration Build his independence - Discover why natural consequences work better than rescue missions Preserve your relationship - Get curious instead of combative, and watch connection strengthen Feel confident letting go - Understand why it's better for him to struggle now than at 25 Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

This episode gives you three practical ways to teach your teenage son that kindness is actually strength, not weakness, even when his world tells him otherwise. Listen if: You're struggling with a son who's becoming mean to siblings or friends, or you want to prevent your kind boy from hardening as he navigates high school social pressures. Key takeaways: Model kindness in your own conversations - Pay attention to how you talk about teachers, coaches, and neighbors in front of your son because he's learning from every word Celebrate kindness like you celebrate wins - Point out acts of kindness you see and praise them specifically so your son learns to value character over status Show him that his heroes are kind people - Help him see that true strength comes from choosing kindness, not from being the loudest or most aggressive Golden quote: "The most confident kids that come through my house are also the kindest kids... confidence and kindness go hand in hand." Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook   For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE  

If you've ever caught yourself wishing for "just one more day" with that sweet little boy who called you "mommy" - you're not alone. That quiet sadness you carry? It's universal, it's normal, and it doesn't make you ungrateful. But living there will rob you of the beautiful relationship you can have with your teenager today. Today we're diving deep into that ache you feel when you hold a little one and miss your own boy's chubby hands. I'm talking about the homesickness for who your son used to be while you're trying to embrace who he's becoming. This episode gives you permission to feel that grief AND practical ways to stay present with the amazing young man in front of you right now. Today is tomorrow's reminiscence. Don't miss it while longing for yesterday. Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook For Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

If you're tired of walking on eggshells around your teenage son or feeling like every conversation turns into a power struggle, this episode is for you. You don't need to be naturally funny - you just need to be a little less serious. Your son is gauging your reaction to his struggles, and humor can be the bridge that keeps you connected through the tough moments. Discover why humor isn't just "nice to have" - it's a neuroscience-backed parenting superpower that can transform your relationship with your teenage son. I'm sharing real stories from our family (yes, including multiple car incidents!), the science behind why laughter works, and practical one-liners you can use this week to break tension and build connection. Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

If you're questioning whether you know anything at all because your son argues with literally everything you say - from room cleaning to what time it is - you're not alone. This isn't about disrespect or failure. It's developmental, it's normal, and most importantly, it's fixable. Today we're diving deep into the nitty-gritty of that argue-about-everything phase that hits around age 14. I'm sharing the science behind why your son challenges YOU more than dad, plus four practical strategies you can use TODAY to stop those circular arguments that leave you both frustrated. Want more conversations like this? Join our private Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. We talk about real-life challenges, share strategies, and lift each other up—because you don’t have to do this alone. 👉 Join “Raising Boys, Building Men” on Facebook Additional Support: Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE Follow us on Instagram HERE Grab Your FREE BRIDGE METHOD (how to bounce back after conflict) PDF HERE

If you're exhausted from the constant self-criticism. The guilt. The comparison to "perfect" moms. This episode gives you permission to stop beating yourself up and start building on what you're already doing well. You will discover the game-changing "gap vs. gain" mindset that transforms how you see yourself as a mom. Learn why your brain is wired to focus on what's wrong, plus three simple strategies to parent from your strengths instead of your struggles. Today's episode will help you: Understand why focusing on deficits keeps you stuck Learn the 3-win daily practice that builds confidence Identify your top parenting strengths (and how to use them) Shift from measuring yourself against perfection to celebrating progress Create momentum in your relationship with your son Connect With Us: Website:  raisingboysbuildingmen.com Join our private Facebook group:  Raising Boys, Building Men HERE Instagram: @heidiallsopcoaching  

If you're exhausted from breaking up fights, tired of being the family referee, and wondering if your boys will ever actually like each other - this episode is your lifeline. You're not failing as a mom. Your kids aren't broken. This is normal, and it gets better. In todays episode you'll walk away knowing exactly how to respond with wisdom instead of weariness, create more connection in your home, and stop parenting from panic so you can start parenting from peace. Most importantly, you'll have hope that this phase won't last forever. Free Resources:   Join our Private Facebook Groups HERE How to Survive and Thrive this Summer Download HERE   Connect with us: Website: Raisingboysbuildingmen.com Instagram: @heidiallsopcoaching