Raising Sons with Dr. Richelle Whittaker

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...

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...

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On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Richelle, also known as Dr. Shell, discusses the sensitive and often overlooked topic of sexual assault in boys. She shares important statistics, dispels common myths, and emphasizes the need for parents to recognize signs of abuse. Dr. Richelle also provides practical advice on how to talk to sons about their bodies and appropriate touch, and the importance of...

On this episode of the Raising Sons podcast, Dr. Richelle, discusses the critical role environment plays in the developmental, academic, and behavioral growth of young boys. She shares insights on creating supportive environments for sons, emphasizing that a positive setting can bolster their confidence, character, and social skills. Dr. Whittaker offers practical advice on selecting suitable scho...

On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Richelle addresses the significance of male mentorship in the developmental journey of boys. Dr. Whittaker empathizes with mothers facing challenges with their sons’ behavior and academic struggles, and she provides reassurance and support. She emphasizes that male mentorship is essential because boys navigate the world differently and require male figures to mo...

On this episode of the Raising Sons podcast, Dr. Richelle talks about conversations she has had with her sons about choosing the right friends. Her sons share the qualities they value in friends and the challenges they face in navigating peer relationships. The discussion includes relatable stories and strategies for helping boys establish a strong sense of identity and select friends who positive...

Dr. Richelle shares a personal story about addressing test anxiety with her son during a car ride to school. Dr. Shell discusses recognizing her son's academic struggle, despite high classwork scores, and initiates a heartfelt conversation about coping strategies. These strategies include prayer, meditation on scripture, breathing exercises, and reaching out to teachers for a holistic understa...

On this episode of the podcast, we explore the topic of autism to bring awareness and aid for mothers navigating their son's developmental challenges. On this episode, Toya shares her personal journey with her son, who is on the autism spectrum, detailing the early signs of autism, the diagnosis process, and how her background in speech and developmental disorders provided a unique perspective...

On this episode of the Raising Sons podcast, host Dr. Richelle delves into strategies for building self-efficacy in sons. Dr. Shell emphasizes the importance of identifying and nurturing a child's natural inclinations, whether it be in academics, building, music, or any other area, and then using those strengths as a foundation to tackle and overcome challenges in less favored areas. She diffe...

This episode of the podcast delves into the crucial topic of academic engagement among boys transitioning from elementary to middle and high school. Dr. Richelle discusses the observed trend of decreased academic interest as boys age and introduces self-efficacy as a key focus for upcoming episodes. To empower parents in supporting their sons' academic journey and future prospects, she propose...

This episode of the Raising Son podcast focuses on the importance and effects of the academic environment on sons' engagement and interest in studies. The discussion spans different schooling options, including public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and private schools, catering to unique needs and interests. It emphasizes the critical role the school culture and learning environment...

In this episode of the 'Raising Sons' podcast, Dr. Shell discusses the role of academic engagement in a boy's development. She explains the concept and importance of student engagement, with particular emphasis on boys' need to make a connection between current learning and future ambitions. The episode also highlights the national crisis of declining college enrollment among males...

This live episode of the podcast explores diverse issues around raising boys. The episode features discussions on handling issues like impulsivity in boys, addressing questions on various topics like sexuality, foster a sibling relationship, promoting positive male involvement in children's lives, navigating the challenges of having children living in multiple households, and handling disrespe...

Don't forget this podcast episode will be Live. If you have questions or just want to meet me live in person (virtually anyway), meet me in the Zoom room at 12 noon CST. Join us for a Live Q&A of the podcast on January 24 @12 noon CST, Register  here . If you're having challenges with your son's development or behavior and need help, schedule a consultation,  here . Send us an emai...

On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Chelle discusses mental health and our boys. It's essential for us to recognize that mental health knows no gender boundaries. Boys, just like girls, can experience a wide range of emotions and challenges, from academic stress to societal expectations, peer pressure, and beyond. Yet, the stigma surrounding mental health issues can prevent many boys from open...

In this episode of the Raising Sons podcast, Dr. Shell discusses the importance of identifying a son's learning preference for successful academic engagement. Emphasis is put on the four primary learning styles - visual, auditory, read/write, and kinesthetic - and how most classroom environments lean towards visual/auditory learning, which might not cater to all students. Dr. Shell highlights...

In this episode of the Raising Sons podcast, Dr. Shell discusses a discipline approach focusing on positive reinforcement rather than punishment. She elaborates on how praise and rewards can encourage desirable behavior in children, specifically your sons, increasing the likelihood of similar actions in the future. Examples of positive reinforcement include praising children for good grades or com...

Talking to your son about death is a delicate and challenging conversation, but it's an important part of life. Recognize that the conversation about death is not a one-time event. Encourage your son to continue expressing his feelings and thoughts as he processes the information. By approaching the conversation with sensitivity, honesty, and a commitment to ongoing support, you can provide yo...

In this episode, we delve into the art of discipline, exploring strategies that foster positive growth and understanding in your son. Our goal is to help parents navigate the challenges of disciplining while maintaining a healthy parent-child relationship. Disciplining your son is a journey of growth and learning for you and for him. By combining clear communication, consistency, positive reinforc...

In this episode, we delve into the profound influence of your words on your son's development and well-being. Discover how nurturing, affirming language can positively shape your son's self-esteem, resilience, and future success. My insights and real-life anecdotes provide practical strategies to strengthen the parent-child bond and guide your son toward a path of happiness and personal gr...

The first season of the podcast has ended and we are diligently working on the second season but we want to hear from you- our faithful listeners. Share with us by texting SONS to 1.833.638.5442 what you would like to hear on season 2 of the podcast. Additionally, we are hosting our first ever Raising Sons brunch on October 21st in Houston. Join us if you want to engage in lively discussions cente...

Welcome to today's powerful and essential episode with Dr. Richelle. Join us as she addresses the topic of what a mom should do when her son starts noticing girls. This episode is a valuable conversation starter for both mothers and their sons, as it navigates the changing landscape of dating in today's world. Are you openly talking to your son about girls? Dr. Richelle encourages mothers...

Welcome to today's powerful and essential episode, hosted by Dr. Richelle. Join us as she delves into the crucial topic of how to talk to your son about dealing with the police. In our current world, social media has exposed numerous injustices by the police, and we've witnessed heartbreaking instances where black men, including young men, have tragically not made it home. Have you had the...

Welcome to today's thought-provoking episode, where Dr. Richelle delves into the crucial topic of teaching your child about racism, specifically focusing on sons. How do you approach the vital conversation about racism with your child? Dr. Richelle offers valuable insights and guidance on navigating this sensitive subject. She shares practical advice on addressing racism that your child may en...