On this "Mom Musing" of the Raising Sons Podcast, Dr. Richelle opens up about the early emails she is receiving from her sons’ schools and the preparations already underway for a smooth new school year. With one son transitioning to middle school and the other to high school, Dr. Whitaker shares her own strategy for easing chaos: getting her closet organized. She explains how simplifying just one part of her life creates a sense of calm and control amid the upcoming changes and hectic schedules....
Jul 10, 2025•4 min
On this episode of the podcast, we tackle the question so many moms silently carry: Am I enough? If you've ever doubted your parenting or felt overwhelmed trying to raise a strong, emotionally intelligent boy in today’s world—you are not alone. Dr. Richelle shares personal stories, affirmations, and practical strategies to help you reframe guilt, recognize your impact, and parent with vision and confidence. You’ll learn: What “being enough” really means for moms raising sons How to build emotion...
Jul 03, 2025•6 min
On this episode, Dr. Richelle dives deep into the essential ways moms can stay connected to their sons as they approach and navigate the tween and teen years. If you've ever wondered why your son isn’t as talkative as he once was, or if you’re concerned he might be pulling away, this episode offers practical, heartfelt advice from a boy mom and educator. Dr. Whittaker discusses three key strategies to strengthen the mother-son relationship: building the connection early, allowing growing autonom...
Jun 19, 2025•10 min
Are you taking care of you? We can't pour for an empty cup, so if you're not taking care of yourself- start today! Schedule that doctor's appointment, get that bloodwork done, schedule that mammogram. If you're looking for support- a community- join Boy Mom Nation. It's a place where we will navigate motherhood while nurturing boyhood (manhood)! Text Community to 1.833.638.5442 if you have questions about the community before making the commitment OR join the community here: https://boy-moms-uni...
Jun 12, 2025•4 min
On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Richelle Whittaker (Dr. Shell) dives into the challenges of managing boys’ screen time over the summer. Dr. Shell discusses why boys are so drawn to screens, including boredom, social interaction, and the dopamine “high” that devices can produce. Listeners will learn to recognize the signs of screen-time imbalance—such as temper tantrums, sleep disruption, and withdrawal—and will discover expert strategies to help boys break free from screens. Dr. Shell outlin...
Jun 05, 2025•11 min
On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Richelle Whittaker, offers a heartfelt and personal look into her newly released book, "Strong Men Start Here: A Mom's Roadmap to Raising Confident and Emotionally Whole Sons." This episode is a bit different from the usual, as Dr. Whittaker shares the book’s powerful introduction—inviting moms (and anyone raising boys) to re-examine their own beliefs and approaches to parenting. Drawing from her experiences as both a psychologist and a mother, Dr. Whittaker r...
May 15, 2025•7 min
Ask yourself: Who is supporting me? Do I have someone to talk about the challenges of raising son(s) with? If not, I encourage you to find community, of which I am offering through Boy Mom Nation. It's a place where we will navigate motherhood while nurturing boyhood (manhood)! Text Community to 1.833.638.5442 if you have questions about the community before making the commitment OR join the community here: https://boy-moms-united.mn.co/ Check out the devotional here: http://bible.us/r/ECI Purch...
May 08, 2025•4 min
This episode of the podcast is dedicated to Mental Health Awareness Month and takes a closer look at the most common mental health challenges faced by boys, including anxiety, behavior disorders, and depression. Dr. Richelle Whittaker shares eye-opening statistics about how these issues affect young males, explains what symptoms might actually look like in real life, and gives parents practical strategies to identify and address concerns. She dives deep into the subtle signs parents might miss, ...
May 01, 2025•15 min
On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Richelle Whittaker, delves into the emotional journey parents navigate following their child's autism diagnosis. Dr. Whittaker shares her insights on the grief process parents often experience. From shock to acceptance, she guides listeners on how to effectively process these powerful emotions. The episode emphasizes that it's completely normal to grieve and to have questions about your child's future. While it’s essential to reframe expectations without lower...
Apr 17, 2025•12 min
Ponder this: How are you navigating your son's transitions? Are you Ok? I find myself struggling with their changes some days. This is a gentle nudge to pause, reflect, and embrace the beauty in every transition. Check out the devotional here: http://bible.us/r/ECI Purchase the book here: https://bit.ly/strongmenstarthere If you're having challenges with your son's development or behavior and need help, schedule a consultation, here . Text Community to 1.833.638.5442 to get information about our...
Apr 10, 2025•4 min
On this episode of the podcast with Dr. Richelle Whittaker, or as you can call her, Dr. Shell, she dives into the importance of community when raising sons. She shares her personal journey of navigating educational decisions for her own sons and how leaning on the perspective and advice of other moms has been invaluable. As she unpacks the power of having a supportive village, Dr. Shell challenges the societal norm of "doing it alone" and highlights the critical need for a community, not just fo...
Apr 03, 2025•17 min
On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Richelle delves into the crucial topic of building resilience in our sons after experiencing failure. Dr. Whittaker reflects on the challenges of bouncing back from setbacks, especially for our children, and emphasizes the importance of teaching resilience as a skill. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, she guides listeners on how to aid their sons in overcoming disappointments, such as losing a game, not placing in a competition, or receiving a lo...
Mar 20, 2025•11 min
Ponder this: Are you celebrating your wins- big or small? What does that look like for you? Check out the devotional here: http://bible.us/r/ECI Purchase the book here: https://bit.ly/strongmenstarthere If you're having challenges with your son's development or behavior and need help, schedule a consultation, here . Text Raising Sons to 1.833.638.5442 to ask questions, share your thoughts, or to request a link to purchase the book Follow me: IG: @dr_richelle YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/@drr...
Mar 13, 2025•4 min
On this episode of the Raising Sons Podcast, Dr. Richelle dives deep into the importance of building emotional resilience in boys. She defines emotional resilience as the ability to manage stress, bounce back from setbacks, and handle emotions effectively. Dr. Shell sheds light on why emotional resilience is crucial for boys, especially Black boys who face unique challenges. She offers practical strategies for parents to help their sons develop emotional resilience, including encouraging emotion...
Mar 05, 2025•16 min
Ponder this: What does operating from a place of rest look like for you? Are you willing to try it? Check out the devotional here: http://bible.us/r/ECI Purchase the book here: https://bit.ly/strongmenstarthere If you're having challenges with your son's development or behavior and need help, schedule a consultation, here . Text Raising Sons to 1.833.638.5442 to ask questions, share your thoughts, or to request a copy of the Parenting Intention Worksheet Follow me: IG: @dr_richelle YouTube: www....
Feb 13, 2025•4 min
On this episode of the Raising Sons podcast, Dr. Richelle discusses the importance of moms loving themselves and the impact it has on raising emotionally strong sons. She highlights the challenges mothers face, including the tendency to take on too much without asking for help, and shares personal experiences to illustrate the point. Dr. Whittaker offers practical advice on prioritizing well-being, setting healthy boundaries, speaking positively about oneself, and pursuing passions. She emphasiz...
Feb 05, 2025•11 min
Onn this heartfelt episode of the podcast, Dr. Richelle discusses the powerful role of prayer in a mother’s journey of raising sons. Drawing from personal experiences and scriptural insights, she provides practical strategies for praying effectively for your sons, focusing on the importance of speaking God’s word and involving others in prayer. Key Discussion Points Strategies for Praying for Your Son: Speaking the Word : Emphasizing the importance of incorporating scripture, such as praying Phi...
Jan 23, 2025•10 min
Ponder this: What are you stewarding? Are you stewarding it well? Stewarding is the management or looking after of something.
Jan 16, 2025•1 min
On this episode, Dr. Richelle Whittaker explores how to shape your son’s identity through his relationship with God. Building on the previous episode about laying a foundation of faith, Dr. Whittaker focuses on actionable steps moms can take to guide their sons on their spiritual journey. Key insights include: Teaching your son about God: Start by introducing who God is through Bible stories, personal testimonies, and discussions about God’s love and purpose for him. Joining a faith-based commun...
Jan 09, 2025•11 min
On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Whittaker dives into practical ways Christian moms can lay a foundation of faith for their sons. As a boy mom, you play a vital role in shaping your son’s spiritual journey. From navigating fear and stress to offering encouragement and guidance, we provide insights to help moms instill values that lead to spiritual growth. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation designed to equip and inspire you on this journey of faith and motherhood. Purchase Strong Men Start H...
Dec 26, 2024•16 min
On this insightful episode, Dr. Richelle Whittaker sits down with a leading male therapist to delve into the complexities of mental health in boys and men. Together, they explore the unique challenges boys and men face, the stigma surrounding emotional vulnerability, and practical strategies to foster emotional well-being. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the male mind and learn how we can better support men in their mental health journey—whether as parents, partners, or friends. Don’t ...
Dec 12, 2024•46 min
On this episode, Dr. Richelle dives into the basics of teaching our sons good hygiene. From morning routines to tackling the dreaded shower battles, Dr. Richelle shares simple, practical tips to help your son take ownership of his cleanliness and feel confident in the process. Whether your son is a little guy just starting out or a teen navigating puberty, this episode is packed with advice to make hygiene habits stick for life. Let’s make staying clean a win for both you and your son! If you're...
Nov 28, 2024•8 min
On this episode of the podcast, I’m taking a moment to share my personal feelings and concerns following the recent election. From reflections to questions about what’s next, I’m opening up about what’s on my mind—and I’d love to hear from you too. How are you processing the results? What hopes or worries are you carrying forward? Tune in for an honest conversation, and join the dialogue by sharing your thoughts with us. Let’s navigate this moment together. Share your thoughts by texting Raising...
Nov 14, 2024•4 min•Season 3Ep. 1
In Season 3 of the Raising Sons podcast, we’re diving deep into what’s been happening in my own journey as a mom since the end of Season 2, with some real and relatable updates about my sons’ lives and milestones. We’ll also recap highlights from the recent What About Our Sons conference, where inspiring conversations and powerful insights were shared. This season brings an exciting lineup of guests—parents, therapists, coaches, and even my sons! We’ll explore practical ways to raise confident a...
Oct 31, 2024•2 min
On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Richelle, delves into the sensitive and crucial topic of teaching sons about racism. She revisits one of the top episodes from the last two seasons. She explains the importance of timing the conversation based on the child's environment and the types of racism they may encounter. She shares personal anecdotes, offers advice on preparing children for potential racial prejudices, and provides practical steps and resources such as recommended movies to facilitate...
Sep 12, 2024•15 min
On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Richelle Whittaker, also known as Dr. Shell, explores the topic of what moms should do when their sons start dating. The episode emphasizes the importance of having open conversations with sons about what dating means, the responsibilities it entails, and how to treat their partners with respect. Dr. Richelle also discusses the significance of understanding why a son wants to date and whether it aligns with his values or is influenced by peer pressure. The epi...
Aug 29, 2024•9 min
There is no podcast episode this week. Dr. Richelle shares announcements with her audience. She discusses the upcoming conference she's hosting entitled What about Our Sons on September 7th from 9-1pm. Early bird pricing happening now- no need for a promo code. Text Conference to 1.833.638.5442 for registration Dr. Richelle also discusses that this season of the podcast has ended and the next episodes until October will be the most popular of the last two seasons. She asked her listeners to shar...
Aug 15, 2024•4 min
On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Richelle talks with Laquisha Williams, founder of Mama Moves, about the challenging intersections of mental health and parenting. They discuss the importance of addressing personal trauma, the lack of support systems for modern parents, and practical strategies for maintaining mental wellness while raising children. Laquisha also shares insights on her approach to overcoming fear and doubt, emphasizing the importance of remembering one's identity and finding t...
Aug 01, 2024•28 min
On this episode of the Raising Sons podcast, Dr. Richelle, also known as Dr. Shell, addresses the emotional toll that parenting takes on parent’s mental health. She shares her personal experience with postpartum depression and emphasizes the importance of taking care of your mental health. Dr. Richelle offers practical advice on seeking help, maintaining spiritual practices, and managing physical health. The episode encourages listeners to take small steps towards better mental health, provides ...
Jul 18, 2024•12 min
Follow me on YouTube @ drrichellewhittaker TikTok @ drwhittaker1 For questions, concerns, to subscribe to the newsletter or obtain information about the What about Our Sons conference, Text Raising Sons to 1.833.638.5442 See you all next week!
Jul 10, 2024•3 min
