When I found out I’d be raising my son on my own, one of my biggest worries was what it would mean for him not to have a dad around. So I was so excited to sit down with Dr Billy Garvey to talk about it.

Billy is a developmental paediatrician, co-host of Pop Culture Parenting and author of two books on children’s mental health and raising boys. He was also raised by a single mum, who came over from Ireland on her own and worked three jobs to keep a roof over her boys’ heads.

We talk about what kids actually need from us (spoiler: it’s not a second parent), why the quality of male role models in a boy’s life matters more than how many there are, and what you can do when you can’t control what’s happening in the other house. We also get into the “golden boy” dynamic, why mums need to stop putting themselves last, and why you can let go of the guilt about screens.

Billy finishes with a message to single mums that had me in tears. If you’re a solo parent raising a boy, this one’s for you.

Content note: This episode includes discussion of family violence and abuse, and Billy briefly talks about a time he didn’t want to live. Please look after yourself while listening.

Dr Billy Garvey
Buy Billy's latest book: Ten things I wish you knew about raising boys

When I found out I&rsquo;d be raising my son on my own, one of my biggest worries was what it would mean for him not to have a dad around. So I was so excited to sit down with Dr Billy Garvey to talk about it.
Billy is a developmental paediatrician, co-host of Pop Culture Parenting and author of two books on children&rsquo;s mental health and raising boys. He was also raised by a single mum, who came over from Ireland on her own and worked three jobs to keep a roof over her boys&rsquo; heads.
We talk about what kids actually need from us (spoiler: it&rsquo;s not a second parent), why the quality of male role models in a boy&rsquo;s life matters more than how many there are, and what you can do when you can&rsquo;t control what&rsquo;s happening in the other house. We also get into the &ldquo;golden boy&rdquo; dynamic, why mums need to stop putting themselves last, and why you can let go of the guilt about screens.
Billy finishes with a message to single mums that had me in tears. If you&rsquo;re a solo parent raising a boy, this one&rsquo;s for you.
Content note: This episode includes discussion of family violence and abuse, and Billy briefly talks about a time he didn&rsquo;t want to live. Please look after yourself while listening. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drbillygarvey?mdxt=MXRxOGx2bWVmMjhmMQ%3D%3D">Dr Billy Garvey</a> <a href="https://ebury.lnk.to/raisingboys">Buy Billy's latest book: Ten things I wish you knew about raising boys</a>

Now What? is a podcast for single mothers, solo mums by choice and women navigating separation, co-parenting, dating again and blended families. Formerly Mothering On My Own, the show has evolved to reflect how single motherhood keeps shifting and reshaping over time. Hosted by Rachel Maksimovic, it’s a space for honest conversations, expert insights and real stories that help you feel less alone as you navigate each new chapter and ask yourself… now what?

Now What? is a podcast for single mothers, solo mums by choice and women navigating separation, co-parenting, dating again and blended families. Formerly Mothering On My Own, the show has evolved to reflect how single motherhood keeps shifting and reshaping over time. Hosted by Rachel Maksimovic, it&rsquo;s a space for honest conversations, expert insights and real stories that help you feel less alone as you navigate each new chapter and ask yourself&hellip; now what?

Now What? is a podcast for single mothers, solo mums by choice and women navigating separation, co-parenting, dating again and blended families.

Now What? Podcast

Raising Boys as a Single Mum: What Your Son Really Needs- with Dr Billy Garvey

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/366e217e-7620-4944-b792-b4e900b876d1/transcript