My friend, Heather MacFayden, is a mom of four boys and I am a mom of two girls. We have two very different (but equally enjoyable) parenting experiences. We are both podcasters, but we are also real life friends. We have had many conversations over the last 10 years about the unique differences between raising boys and girls.

We decided to take our offline conversations online for you! Part 1 is over at her podcast, Don’t Mom Alone - Boys vs Girls (Part 1): The Early Years. And today, you will hear Part 2 which is all about the dating years. We even get into the anxiety that comes with dances like homecoming and prom.

I learned several things from Heather about how boys are feeling during these dating years. After our chat, I immediately went and talked to the girls about how the guys may feel used at times. They are more than a prop in a photo. I was encouraged to hear that her boys want deep conversations and interesting girls.

My goal for this conversation was to grow our understanding and empathy of the opposite gender - especially if you only have 1 gender of children in your home. Let us know what you think! What do you wish moms of girls knew about boys? What do you wish moms of boys knew about girls? Send me a DM!

In this episode, we discuss:

-Dating challenges for teens today

-Ideas on how to help boys and girls interact when curiosity begins

-How social media and phones are impacting the dating process

-Seeing behind the homecoming drama - what is going on with each gender

Enjoy!

Courtney

(02:00) Empathy in Parenting: Boys vs. Girls

(04:04) The Challenges of Modern Dating

(10:05) Navigating Social Events and Relationships

(18:08) The Impact of Social Media on Dating Dynamics

(20:21) The Pressure of Appearances in Relationships

(21:06) Navigating Modesty and Self-Confidence

(22:38) The Emotional Impact of Rejection

(23:52) Social Media's Role in Self-Perception

(24:40) Understanding Boys' Perspectives on Relationships

(25:45) The Importance of Communication and Planning

(27:39) The Dynamics of Dating and Social Expectations

(29:52) Boys' Leadership in Social Situations

(32:11) The Cost of Social Events and Expectations

(33:34) Teaching Boys About Respect and Kindness

(35:27) Building Confidence in Girls

(37:53) Encouraging Individuality in a Conformist Culture

(39:55) A Prayer for Our Children

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Courtney DeFeo

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Resources from today’s show:

HeatherMacFadyen.com

Don’t Mom Alone Podcast

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org