Securely Attached1 Jul 2025

Why boys and girls need different things: The neuroscience of the sexes with Michael Gurian

New York Times bestselling author, therapist, and social philosopher Michael Gurian joins me for a fascinating conversation about the brain science behind why boys and girls often need different things—and how understanding these differences can help us raise emotionally healthy, resilient kids.

Together we explore:

The difference between sex and gender.
Why boys' brains often orient more toward spatial and kinesthetic activities, and how this shapes the way they bond and communicate.
The surprising brain-based reason empathy often comes more easily to girls than boys and how to nurture empathy in boys.
How school systems unintentionally disadvantage boys and practical things parents can do at home to help them thrive.
Why "use your words" doesn't always work for boys—and how to support emotional expression in more body-based, multisensory ways.
The crucial distinction between healthy aggression and violence and why rough-and-tumble play can actually build resilience and connection.
How maternal and paternal nurturing styles differ and how each uniquely supports children's development.
How understanding these biological and developmental differences can help reduce conflict, build trust, and support each child's unique strengths.

If you're curious about what neuroscience can teach us about the different ways boys and girls develop, connect, and express themselves—and how this understanding can help you parent more effectively—this episode is filled with research-based insights and practical tools you won't want to miss!

LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:

👉🏻 https://www.michaelgurian.com/

📚 Boys, A Rescue Plan: Moving Beyond the Politics of Masculinity to Healthy Male Development

🎧 Wonder of Parenting - A Brain-Science Approach to Parenting

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 214. Raising emotionally intelligent sons: Parenting boys to combat "toxic masculinity" with Ruth Whippman

🎧 286. Empowering girls to navigate media, body image, and societal pressures with Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein

🎧 149. Q&A: How to answer your kid's questions about gender

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