Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

What does “boys will be boys” really mean—and why does it get under so many parents’ skin? In this powerful episode, we dive into the final challenge of Parental Guidance and unpack the loaded stereotypes around masculinity, parenting roles, and what it means to raise emotionally healthy boys in today’s world. From baby dolls to rough-and-tumble play, the conversation gets real about how we guide our sons—and what we might be getting wrong. KEY POINTS: Why the phrase “boys will be boys” is not an excuse for bad behaviour How TV moments can misrepresent real-life parenting and child behaviour The critical role fathers can and should play in early parenting Gender roles, cultural expectations, and the policing of boys’ behaviour The concept of “surplus value” and helping boys become safe, strong contributors The challenge of letting boys be expressive without fear of being labelled or shamed Encouraging healthy masculinity without shaming tradit