{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Raising Men","title":"Q&A for Parents Raising Boys: Sensitivity, Defiance, and the Father Figure Gap","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":865,"description":"In this solo Q&A episode, Shaun Dawson answers some of the most common and emotionally charged parenting questions from the Raising Men community. Drawing on insights from past guests including child development experts, military leaders, and veteran fathers, Shaun unpacks how to raise boys with both strength and emotional health. This episode covers how to respond to a sensitive son, how to handle defiance without crushing a child’s spirit, and whether a surrogate male mentor can help fill the gap when a father is absent. Key Takeaways Toughness is not built through emotional coldness but through secure attachment, challenge, and recovery.  A sensitive boy is not weak — he may simply need guidance learning how to regulate and direct strong emotions.  Defiance in young boys is often a test of agency, and leadership works better than coercion.  Parents should aim to build a disciplined will in their sons rather than break their spirit.  When a biological father is absent, intentional male mentors can still play a powerful role in shaping a boy’s path to manhood.“Strength is built through recovery, not through struggle.” “You do not want a son with a broken will. You want a son with a disciplined will.” “You’re not just raising a kid. You are forging a man.”00:00 Welcome to Raising Men 00:35 Question 1 — Should I toughen up my sensitive son? 01:05 Stoicism vs emotional shutdown 02:00 Why boys may be more emotionally fragile early on 03:00 Masculinity, purpose, and emotional strength 04:10 Why numbing emotions creates passive men 04:50 Intentional discomfort vs emotional abandonment 05:35 Question 2 — My 4-year-old is defiant. What do I do? 06:05 Why defiance is often a test of agency 06:45 Play, connection, and boundaries 07:15 Respect, leadership, and family drills 08:20 Don’t break his will — discipline it 09:05 Question 3 — Can a mentor replace a father? 09:40 Why male role models matter 10:20 The “general manager” role in parenting 11:10 What to look for in a...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/2uuITx2j-lZJp2iIhjw55xbaGtfwoyDcHPS-ELTBlxA/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9mZmQ1/ZGM3MjJkNTdmODY0/MjE0MmYyYWQzMDE0/ZDhiMi5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}