Supporting Boys’ Mental Health: Building Confidence and Emotional Intelligence

“Boys don’t cry! Toughen up!” This was a constant refrain for many generations for boys to suppress their emotions and “be strong,” which resulted in generations of adult men who didn’t know how to be vulnerable or express their feelings. These misguided notions of masculinity have proven to be emotionally damaging, and parents today are deliberately seeking to empower boys to share their feelings authentically by encouraging open communication. The presenters will highlight tools to build self-confidence and emotional intelligence, and foster resilience as they navigate their world.