Episode 9: What Are We Teaching Our Sons?
Season 1, Episode 9
What Are We Teaching Our Sons?
Gender Stereotypes Hurt Boys Too
This episode of Mommy Has Questions tackles the early socialization of boys into restrictive gender roles and how that impacts their emotional development, self-worth, and future relationships. Cristina and the moms explore how gendered language, media messaging, and family dynamics shape kids’ ideas about what boys and girls are “allowed” to do.
They discuss how we can challenge traditional roles, bring more male voices into caregiving and education, and raise boys who are emotionally open, empathetic, and strong allies for equality. This episode is a must-listen for any parent ready to raise the next generation without outdated limits.
🗣️ What We Talk About:
Why boys absorb gender norms so early
The emotional cost of teaching boys to suppress feelings
How media and family dynamics shape ideas about gender
The importance of male representation in caregiving and education
Why empowering girls doesn’t mean disempowering boys
What gender-neutral parenting actually looks like
Teaching boys about privilege, equality, and allyship
How open conversations about family roles foster understanding
Why modeling equal partnerships matters
Strategies to break cycles of gender bias at home
📚 References:
"Gender Role." Wikipedia, 11 June 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_role.
Sally. Directed by Cristina Costantini, National Geographic Documentary Films, 2025.
Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. See Jane, seejane.org/.
Reeves, Richard V. Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do about It. Brookings Institution Press, 2024.
👯♀️ Meet Your Hosts:
Cristina Sansone – Public health pro turned full-time stay-at-home mom of three
Jamie Dennison – Corporate exec and mom of two
Jess Kahn Marks – Former engineer and mom of two
Tiffany Hodges – Writer, actor, filmmaker, and mom of one
🔗 Find Us Everywhere
💬 Want to share your story or ask a question? hello@momsamongotherthings.com
🔑 Keywords:
motherhood, gender norms, gender roles, gender stereotypes, gender-neutral, family roles, partnership, gender bias, parenting, emotional expression, emotional development, self-worth, allyship, representation, equality, boys, girls, caregiving
