Ten things I wish you knew about raising boys

by Dr Billy Garvey

Every parent wants their child to grow into a kind, capable and emotionally healthy adult. But right now, many of us are worried about our boys.
With more than twenty years' experience as a developmental paediatrician, Dr Billy Garvey has supported thousands of families through their hardest moments. He sees boys who are anxious, angry, withdrawn or overwhelmed - and parents who desperately want to help but don't know where to begin. He knows there is no such thing as a 'bad' child - only children communicating a need.
In Ten Things I Wish You Knew About Raising Boys, Dr Billy combines the latest research, powerful clinical stories and practical strategies to help you understand what's really driving your son's behaviour - and exactly how to respond.
With Billy's guidance, you'll learn how
- respond to big emotions with confidence
- set boundaries without losing connection
- build empathy, resilience and emotional regulation
- support healthy identity and masculinity
- strengthen the bond that protects mental health for life.
Clear, compassionate and grounded in evidence, this is a hopeful roadmap for raising boys who feel safe, seen and understood - and who grow into emotionally strong, connected men.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2026

Reviews

[Deirdra]

I am going to be evangelical about this brilliant Australian book - as soon as I finished it I ordered multiple copies to give to friends with young sons.

Dr Billy is such a special person and clinician. He gives heartfelt, practical and research-based advice illustrated with anecdotes from his own childhood and those of boys he’s worked with in his clinic. I feel more empowered to support my son growing up with healthy masculinity and life skills, and how to better approach boys in mental distress presenting to ED.

Anyone with sons and/or working in education or healthcare should read this hopeful and accessible book. Highly recommend his podcast ‘Pop Culture Parenting’ too!

[Emily Coles]

Started off listening to this on Spotify- narrated by Billy himself and so much emotion in some of the stories he tells. Then ran out of listening hours so grabbed it from the bookshop as I couldn’t wait to finish it up. So many great takeaways as a mum and teacher.
Whilst there is so much talk about domestic and gendered violence, this book actually feels like a proactive tool to implement with boys at all ages, right from birth. It consolidates some of our parenting and teaching strategies but also challenges a lot. I do feel that we can do better because this book ensures we know better.

[Marita]

Another brilliant book by Billy. His heart and genuine care for the work he does is so clear in this book. As a mum of two boys whose greatest desire is to raise kind caring sons, this was a great read (also as a social worker working with the more pointy end of some of these issues). It's a great length, not overly long but clear great information. The research and info is folded within client stories which makes it a much easier read. Will be recommending to all my friends, and families I work with.

[Nicki]

Absolutely exceptional! Not just for parents of boys - a must read for everyone. Love how Dr Billy Garvey weaves stats, stories and science all together.