Raising Boys in the Age of the Manosphere: Why Notes on Being a Man Matters (and What We Can Do About It)

If you’re raising a boy right now, you might feel like you’re parenting with a megaphone blasting in the background.

On one channel: “Be tough. Be dominant. Don’t be weak.”
On another: “Men are the problem.”
On another: “Buy my course and you’ll become an alpha in 14 minutes.”

Meanwhile, your actual son is just… trying to be a human. With hormones. And homework. And a group chat that never sleeps.

So today we’re talking about a book that tries to offer a sane path forward: Scott Galloway’s Notes on Being a Man, written for men and parents of boys. Simon & Schuster Canada

This isn’t a “boys will be boys” shrug—OR a “boys are broken” panic. It’s more like: “Okay. Something is happening to our boys and young men. Let’s be brave enough to look at it—and practical enough to do something about it.” Simon & Schuster Canada+1

And because we’re Thrive Momma, we’re going to do it in a way that’s:

• supportive of every kind of family (single moms, two moms, blended families, grandparents raising kids, newcomer families, neurodiverse households),

• grounded in reality (tiny steps > perfect speeches),

• and allergic to shame.

First: What’s the book, and why are people talking about it?

On the publisher’s page, Notes on Being a Man is described as a “path forward for men and parents of boys,” built around Galloway’s story and lessons about boyhood, anger, depression, money, relationships, and raising sons. Simon & Schuster Canada

The book release is listed as November 4, 2025 (Simon & Schuster Canada). Simon & Schuster Canada

And the big ideas he keeps coming back to include lines like:

• “Action absorbs anxiety.”

• “Get out of the house.”

• “Be kind.”

• “Being a good dad means being good to the mother of your children.” Simon & Schuster Canada

You don’t have to agree with every word to appreciate the vibe: less posturing, more building.

The interview that got my parenting-coach brain humming

In an April 10, 2024 episode of CBC’s The Current (hosted by Matt Galloway—no relation), Scott Galloway argues that loneliness and economic exclusion are pushing young men toward extreme belief systems, and that we need a healthier, wider definition of masculinity. Listen Notes

That matters because the “manosphere” doesn’t win by being wise. It wins by being available—and by telling lonely boys, “You belong here.”

If we want boys to learn healthy masculinity, we can’t just yell “don’t!” across the internet. We have to build real-life belonging.

A quick reality check: this can get serious

When we talk about boys and men struggling, we’re not talking about a minor mood swing that can be fixed with a motivational poster and a protein shake.

In Canada, men are consistently more likely to die by suicide than women (often cited as about 3x), even while patterns of self-harm differ by gender. suicideprevention.ca

If you’re ever worried your child (or partner, or friend) may be thinking about suicide, Canada has 9-8-8, a 24/7 call or text suicide crisis helpline. Canada+1

(And just to be clear: this blog is coaching + education. It’s not therapy or medical advice.)

What I like about Galloway’s approach (for moms of boys)

1) He names loneliness as a risk factor, not a personality flaw

A lonely boy isn’t “lazy,” “weird,” or “dramatic.” He’s a boy without enough safe connection.

In that CBC interview summary, the point is blunt: loneliness (made worse by social media) can make young men more vulnerable to extreme belief systems. Listen Notes

Thrive Momma tiny step:
Ask your son: “Who do you feel most yourself with?”
Not “Who’s your best friend?” (pressure!). Just: “Where do you feel more like… you?”

2) He links emotions to action—without shaming feelings

“Action absorbs anxiety” is one of his memorable lines. Simon & Schuster Canada+1

That doesn’t mean “stuff your feelings.” It means: when our nervous systems get stuck, movement + contribution can unfog the brain.

Try this with boys:
When he’s spiralling, offer two doable actions:

• “Want a 10-minute walk or 10 minutes shooting hoops?”

• “Help me unload the dishwasher or take the dog out?”

• “Text a friend to game tonight or come sit with me while I fold laundry?”

The goal isn’t productivity. The goal is re-entry to life.

3) He centers “protection of others” as part of healthy masculinity

In the interview summary you gave, a “healthy” man isn’t just self-preservation; it includes emotional and psychological protection of others. Listen Notes

I love this because it’s strength with direction.

What we can teach boys (and model):

• “Protect means: don’t humiliate people.”

• “Protect means: speak up when a friend is being cruel.”

• “Protect means: your presence makes the room safer.”

This works for gentle boys, sporty boys, anxious boys, artistic boys—every flavour of boy.

4) He makes mentorship a must, not a “nice extra”

The interview highlights the need for mentors and positive male role models. Listen Notes

This is huge for single moms, two-mom families, newcomer families building community, and families where dad is present but stretched thin.

Thrive Momma tiny step: Make a “Mentor Map” (literally on paper).

• Circle 1 (high trust): uncle, grandparent, coach, neighbour, family friend, teacher, older cousin

• Circle 2 (possible): youth group leader, community volunteer, cultural community elders, workplace mentor

• Circle 3 (future): programs (Big Brothers Big Sisters, sports clubs, arts programs)

Then ask: “Who could be a consistent ‘check-in’ adult for my kid?”
Consistency matters more than charisma.

“Okay, Elizabeth… but what do I DO this week?” (A practical 7-step plan)

Here’s your anti-manosphere hormone-friendly plan (I’m kidding—mostly).

Step 1: Build one “third place”

A third place is somewhere that isn’t home or school: library, gym, community center, faith community, hobby club, part-time job.

Why it matters: it creates organic belonging. (And it gets them out of the bedroom cave. Which, respectfully, can become a whole ecosystem.)

Step 2: Create a “daily micro-connection” that isn’t a big talk

Aim for 3–8 minutes.

• snack + chat

• drive-time debrief

• “show me that video” (even if it’s nonsense)

Small and steady beats one intense TED Talk.

Step 3: Teach “kindness is strength” with receipts

Galloway’s publisher page includes “Be kind” as a core message. Simon & Schuster Canada

So we say the quiet part out loud:

• kindness is leadership

• kindness is self-control

• kindness is protection

And yes, we also teach boundaries. Kind ≠ doormat.

Step 4: Give boys a “code” (values they can actually remember)

InsideHook’s review notes the importance of values and a “code,” and connects some of the book’s action-focus to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—values-based living. InsideHook

Try a simple 3-line code:

1. “I tell the truth (with respect).”

2. “I use my strength to help, not harm.”

3. “I get back up.”

Put it on the fridge. Or the Notes app. Or a sticky note in his locker.

Step 5: Don’t let money shame teach him masculinity

The interview summary emphasizes economic exclusion—young people feeling locked out of the prosperity their parents had. Listen Notes

We can’t fix the economy in a blog post. But we can teach:

• budgeting basics without shame

• how to earn money ethically

• how to ask for help and guidance

• that worth ≠ income

Step 6: Digital boundaries, because algorithms don’t parent kindly

If loneliness + online life is a risk cocktail, then boundaries are care.

Pick one:

• phones out of bedrooms overnight

• no social media before school

• “one hour outside” before gaming

• weekly “screen audit” together: “What content makes you feel better after?”

Step 7: Normalize help—the strong move is getting support

If your son is showing signs of depression, intense anger, withdrawal, or hopelessness: loop in your doctor, school supports, and a licensed therapist if possible. If there’s crisis or suicidal thoughts, call/text 9-8-8 in Canada. Canada+1

What to be careful about (because no book is perfect)

One thing I appreciate about the InsideHook review: it’s written by a therapist who says the book has value—but it is not therapy, and some framing could harm mental wellbeing if taken rigidly. InsideHook+1

For example, the reviewer flags Galloway’s “protectors, providers, procreators” framing as potentially narrowing masculinity too much, especially for men who don’t want kids or aren’t (or can’t be) sole providers. InsideHook

Also, the reviewer pushes back on advice around cannabis for sleep and points toward evidence-based insomnia treatment (CBT-I). InsideHook

My Thrive Momma take:
Use the book like a flashlight, not a law. Take what builds your son up. Question what boxes him in.

For moms raising boys: a reframe that helps

Instead of:
“How do I stop my son from becoming toxic?” (panic + shame)

Try:
“How do I help my son become connected, capable, and kind?” (skills + belonging)

From what’s shared about this book and interview, those are the muscles Galloway is trying to strengthen: action, mentorship, responsibility, kindness, and connection—especially when loneliness and economic pressure are pulling boys toward darker scripts. Simon & Schuster Canada+2Listen Notes+2

Conversation starters (that boys don’t instantly hate)

Pick one. Use it while doing something else. Eye contact optional.

1. “What’s something that’s been on your mind lately?”

2. “Who do you feel relaxed around?”

3. “What’s a moment this week you felt proud—even a tiny bit?”

4. “What’s a guy you respect, and why?”

5. “If you could have one adult teach you one life skill, what would it be?”

6. “What’s a ‘strong man’ to you—what does he DO?” (not what he looks like)

7. “What’s one thing online that’s making guys angry right now? What do you think about it?”

Thrive Momma Community prompt (copy/paste)

Prompt:
“Raising boys right now can feel like swimming upstream. What’s one ‘healthy masculinity’ value you want your son to grow up with—and what’s one tiny way you’re teaching it?”

Listening/Reading suggestions (for your blog footer)

• Notes on Being a Man (Scott Galloway) — publisher description and key themes Simon & Schuster Canada

• InsideHook review: “A Male Therapist’s Take on Scott Galloway’s New Book” (for a balanced critique) InsideHook+1

• CBC interview listing: “Masculinity needs that ‘big d— energy’: Scott Galloway” (April 10, 2024) — searchable in CBC Listen; episode summary available here Listen Notes

• Canada crisis support: Call/text 9-8-8 Canada+1