Breaking the Boy Code: The New Playbook for Raising Resilient Boys

by Katie Hurley

A practical and research-backed discussion of how to improve mental, emotional, academic, and life outcomes for boys In Breaking the Boy The New Playbook for Raising Resilient Boys, child and adolescent mental health expert and psychotherapist Dr. Katie Hurley delivers a timely and important discussion about the urgent crisis facing boys today. She carefully examines the societal pressures and toxic masculinity that negatively impact boys' mental health, academic performance, and social relationships. The book offers actionable steps for both parents and educators who work to support boys aged 5 to 15. It demonstrates how to help them develop emotional resilience, empathy, and healthy relationships. You'll also Hands-on and practical steps that parents, caregivers, teachers, and others can implement immediately to improve outcomes for the boys they're responsible for Scripts and strategies for helping young and teenage boys improve their relationships and lives The latest research on pre-adolescent and adolescent boys Perfect for the parents of boys, educators, teachers, coaches, and mental health professionals, Breaking the Boy Code is an essential strategy guide for improving the lives of boys everywhere and for helping them meet the extraordinary challenges posed by contemporary life.

352 pages, Paperback

Published March 31, 2026

Reviews

[Denise Mitomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this with my preteen. I appreciated the research behind it, the way it was structured by age groups. Every chapter ended with helpful advice and tips for parents. But I found it lacking in addressing one very key aspect that is influencing our boys more than anything, especially in the US - the patriarchy. The word was mentioned maybe once or twice? And neither times were to define it. The author danced around it but it felt purposeful that she was avoiding the word and it’s hard to grasp how we address the culture and system are boys are conditioned into without mentioning the patriarchy and how it harms them.

[Clair Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great look at parenting boys in the modern world. It's broken down to look at strategies and ideas to raise emotionally aware and productive men in the 2020's starting in preschool through teens.