Raising Sons with Dr. Richelle Whittaker Dr. Richelle Whittaker

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 addressing and managing these challenges. The episode highlights the importance of early intervention, the value of parental instincts, and the resources available to parents of children with disabilities. Dr. Richelle also discusses balancing motherhood with educational and mental health advocacy, aiming to empower mothers with knowledge and support.
If you're having challenges with your son's development or behavior and need help, schedule a consultation, here.
Send us an email to let us know what questions you have. Email us at drrichelle@richellewhittaker.com. Text Autism to 1.833.638.5442 to receive the worksheet on the 5 Most Common Misconceptions about Autism.

00:00 Welcome to Raising Sons: Navigating Autism
00:25 Autism Awareness: A Personal Journey
00:59 Family Dynamics and the Autism Spectrum
02:35 The Path to Diagnosis: Challenges and Insights
04:57 Navigating Motherhood and Autism: A Personal Story
07:19 Insider Perspective: The Advantage of Professional Knowledge
09:55 Wrapping Up: Insights and Encouragement

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 differentiates between self-efficacy (belief in one’s ability to accomplish a specific task successfully) and self-confidence, underscoring that building self-efficacy involves honing specific skills through encouragement, practice, and exposure to activities that reinforce a child’s belief in their capabilities. The episode includes practical advice for parents on how to support their sons in developing a robust sense of self-efficacy by engaging them in activities related to their interests, seeking external validation through competitions or performances, and applying successes in preferred areas to those that are more challenging or less interesting to the child. Dr. Shell invites feedback from listeners and encourages interested parents to seek personalized guidance through one-on-one consultations.
If you're having challenges with your son's development or behavior and need help, schedule a consultation, here.
Send us an email or text to let us know what questions you have. Email us at drrichelle@richellewhittaker.com or text Raising Sons to 1.833.638.5442.
Time Stamp
00:23 The Importance of Personalized Guidance in Raising Sons
00:50 Building Self-Efficacy in Sons: An In-Depth Guide
01:35 Feedback and Interaction: The Heart of Our Community
02:39 Understanding Self-Efficacy and Its Impact
04:22 Practical Strategies to Boost Your Son's Self-Efficacy
06:49 Using Success in One Area to Overcome Challenges in Others
11:04 The Difference Between Self-Confidence and Self-Efficacy
14:13 Wrapping Up and How to Stay Connected


Disclaimer: Dr. Richelle is a therapist, but she is not your therapist. All information provided is not to be taken as therapy.

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 proposes a reflective exercise. This involves observing sons' interests and behaviors over a week and reminiscing on past tendencies that indicate natural inclinations. The goal is to empower sons to believe in their capabilities, highlighting the importance of confidence in their actions and decisions. The exercise is seen as a foundational step for parents to guide their sons in building self-efficacy and navigating their academic and personal growth. Dr. Richelle encourages feedback on the exercise through texting or emailing her, emphasizing the significance of personalized guidance in raising boys.
If you're having challenges with your son's development or behavior and need help, schedule a consultation, here.
Send us an email or text to let us know what questions you have. Email us at drrichelle@richellewhittaker.com or text Raising Sons to 1.833.638.5442.
Time Stamp
00:25 The Importance of Personalized Guidance in Raising Sons
00:52 Introducing a Unique Exercise for Parents
01:10 Deep Dive into Academic Engagement and Self Efficacy
03:34 The Exercise: Observing and Reflecting on Your Son's Interests
07:03 Why Focusing on Boys' Development Matters Now More Than Ever
08:40 How This Exercise Prepares You for Future Challenges
09:50 Join the Conversation and Share Your Insights
10:42 Wrapping Up and How to Stay Connected


Disclaimer: Dr. Richelle is a therapist, but she is not your therapist. All information provided is not to be taken as therapy.

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 play in a child's adjustment. The episode ends with an encouragement for parents to consider new and different environments that may lie outside their comfort zones for the best interest of their sons.
If you're having challenges with your son's development or behavior and need help, schedule a consultation, here.
Send us an email or text to let us know what questions you have. Email us at drrichelle@richellewhittaker.com or text Raising Sons to 1.833.638.5442.



Disclaimer: Dr. Richelle is a therapist, but she is not your therapist. All information provided is not to be taken as therapy.

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. Dr. Shell underlines the wide-ranging consequences of this, including potential labor shortages in various professions, limited access to resources such as insurance, loss of purpose leading to possible issues in stability, and a widening wealth gap.
If you're having challenges with your son's development or behavior and need help, schedule a consultation, here.
Send us an email or text to let us know what questions you have. Email us at drrichelle@richellewhittaker.com or text Raising Sons to 1.833.638.5442.



Disclaimer: Dr. Richelle is a therapist, but she is not your therapist. All information provided is not to be taken as therapy.

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 disrespectful behavior. The session integrates engaging interactions, Q&A sessions, and Dr. Shell shares practical tips on effective parenting, emphasizing the importance of open communication, lifestyle modifications and shaping boys' behaviors based on their interests and motivation.
If you're having challenges with your son's development or behavior and need help, schedule a consultation, here.
Send us an email or text to let us know what questions you have. Email us at drrichelle@richellewhittaker.com or text Raising Sons to 1.833.638.5442.
Purchase your ticket for the Raising Sons brunch: https://bit.ly/raisingsonsbrunch2


Disclaimer: Dr. Richelle is a therapist, but she is not your therapist. All information provided is not to be taken as therapy.