Oh No, It's a Boy!

About this episode

This episode explores the fears and cultural narratives surrounding raising boys and challenges common assumptions about gender and parenting.

Some parents are devastated to hear, “It’s a boy.” Not disappointed - devastated . In this confronting episode, we unpack the rising fear around raising boys, where it’s coming from, and the dangerous story we’re starting to believe. Are boys really the problem… or are we shaping them that way? This conversation will challenge everything you think you know about gender, parenting, and the future of our kids. KEY POINTS: Why “gender disappointment” is shifting toward boys The cultural fears driving anxiety about raising sons How low expectations quietly shape boys’ behaviour What boys are actually craving from adults (it’s not what you think) Why strong family culture matters more than social narratives The simple but powerful role parents play in raising good humans QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: “Boys aren’t the problem. They’re the solution.” RESOURCES MENTIONED: Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out ( pre-order here ) Research and commentary on gender disappointment Parenting support resources for perinatal mental health:  PANDA Gidget Foundation ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Challenge…

People in this episode

Host: Dr Justin Coulson

Topics covered

• gender disappointment
• raising boys
• parenting
• family culture
• boys' behavior
• cultural fears

Keywords

• gender disappointment
• raising boys
• parenting
• family culture
• boys' behavior
• cultural fears
• mental health
• values

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: PANDA, Gidget Foundation

Books & works: Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out

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• Parenting Through Grief & Tragedy [with Robin Bailey] · May 5, 2026 · 13 min