What Boys and Dads Really Need with Richard Reeves

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Jun 10, 2025

In this discussion, Richard Reeves, a scholar and author focused on boys and masculinity, joins Dr. Becky to tackle the evolving roles of fathers and the unique hurdles boys face today. They explore how traditional masculinity impacts boys' education and emotional growth, emphasizing the need for tailored support. Reeves spotlights the pivotal role fathers play in emotional development and encourages dads to engage more actively in parenting. The conversation champions the shift towards understanding boys’ distinct needs for a brighter future for both kids and parents.

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ANECDOTE

Outdoor Time Sparks Openness

Richard Reeves shares his wife’s advice to take their son on outdoor adventures to encourage emotional expression.
Conversations emerged naturally without agenda while hiking and building a fire, facilitating openness.

INSIGHT

Breaking Parental Anxiety Loop

Children can pick up and amplify parental anxiety about their struggles, creating a cycle of mutual worry.
Parents need to communicate confidence and optimism to break this boomerang anxiety loop.

ADVICE

Be a Sturdy Emotional Pilot

Be a sturdy emotional pilot: acknowledge your child's feelings without reacting with your own anxiety.
Communicate belief in your child's resilience to help them manage tough emotions confidently.

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Gender roles are shifting—and as they do, the needs of boys and men are changing too, impacting how we raise boys and understand modern fatherhood. In this conversation, Dr. Becky and Richard Reeves explore how evolving expectations around masculinity and fatherhood are leaving many boys and dads without the support they need, and why rethinking those roles is key to helping all kids—and parents—thrive.

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Follow Dr. Becky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbeckyatgoodinside

For a full transcript of the episode, go to goodinside.com/podcast.

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Good Inside is growing up! Listen to The In-Between Years with Dr. Sheryl, for parents of teens and tweens!

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