Raising Strong Boys: How to Help Boys Become Emotionally Healthy Men | Megan E. Branstetter, LMSW

What does it really mean to raise a strong boy?In this episode of Sage Connections, I’m joined by Megan E. Branstetter, LMSW, a licensed social worker who works with adolescent boys and their families. We talk about emotional availability in boys, why so many boys don’t feel they have a safe place to express feelings, and how caregivers can build emotional literacy early and often.This conversation is practical and grounded. Megan shares the exact tools she uses in her work, including how to talk to adolescents without pushing them away, how to reflect feelings to build emotional language, and how to teach regulation skills in a developmentally appropriate way (yes, including “spaghetti” and “dragon breath”).In this episode, we cover:- What emotional availability actually means (identification + expression)- Why boys often don’t feel “permission” to have feelings- Early signs a boy may be struggling (internalizing vs externalizing)- How to talk to teens: available, not pushy- Why feelings are informative (and not “good” or “bad”)- Shame, guilt, and the “shoulds” boys carry- Building self worth vs self esteem- Regulation tools for kids vs teens (progressive muscle relaxation, square breathing, dragon breath)- The impact of social media, algorithms, and online communities- The most important emotional skills for healthy relationships (empathy, coping, communication)Connect with Megan E. Branstetter, LMSWDennis, Moye, Branstetter & AssociatesWebsite: https://www.dmbandassociates.comPhone: 248-451-9085Connect with Sage Physical Therapy & WellnessWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: [email protected]#RaisingStrongBoys#ParentingBoys#EmotionalIntelligence#BoysMentalHealth#TeenMentalHealth#HealthyMasculinity#EmotionalHealth#ParentingSupport#AdolescentMentalHealth#SageConnections