Raising boys—how to support, understand & empower them with Kathy Imabayashi

Ep. 81: How do we raise emotionally strong, self-aware boys in a world that often mislabels them as “too much” or “not enough”?

In this powerful episode, veteran educator and founder of Sonhood Coaching, Kathy Imabayashi, joins me to unpack how parents can better understand, support, and nurture their sons. With 40+ years of experience in international education and a personal story that sparked a lifelong mission, Kathy shares practical tools, deep wisdom, and eye-opening truths about what our boys really need from us.

Whether you’re a parent to a boy, love someone who once was a little boy, or want to raise more emotionally attuned kids—this episode is for you.

FULL SHOW NOTWS & TAKEAWAYS

Related episodes:

Ep. 18: Leslie Josel on figuring out how to raise problem solvers versus direction takers – Spotify or Apple

Ep. 39: Figuring out how to raise resilient children with Kathleen Sullivan  – Spotify or Apple

Time-stamps:

03:02 – Kathy’s global education journey

11:25 – Reggio Emilia & IB philosophies explained

16:21 – What sparked Kathy’s mission to advocate for boys

25:39 – The hidden “boy code” society teaches—and why it’s harmful

33:58 – Key communication differences between boys and girls

41:16 – Tips for raising emotionally healthy boys

53:58 – How to make your home a shame-free zone

58:36 – Connection and communication: the foundation of raising boys

About the guest:

Kathy Imabayashi is a mom, retired educator, entrepreneur, and the founder of Sonhood Coaching. She offers coaching, online courses, and workshops to help parents raise emotionally grounded boys. Connect with Kathy via her website (Free Resources Available) or Instagram⁠

🎁 Freebies for Listeners:

Check out Kathy’s free tools here, including:

• 3-Day Challenge for Parents Raising Boys

• 5 Pivotal Tips for Raising Boys

• The 3 Pillar Guide to Raising Boys

About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:

Andrea Barr is a certified career and life coach who helps ambitious parents take charge of their careers and lives with strategy, intention, and freedom. She rejects the idea that success requires sacrifice—showing parents how to create more time, flexibility, and fulfillment without burnout. Through her coaching, workshops, and podcast, All Figured Out, Andrea shares the strategies and mindset shifts parents need to design careers that fit their lives—so they can thrive at work and at home.

Connect with Andrea via Instagram ⁠here⁠ or her website .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}