I began this series as a way for educators and families to empower the vocabularies and self-esteem of their young ones.

Even just one word or phrase a day can shift how our children feel, think, and relate to the world around them. Because language isn’t just what we say, it’s how we teach love, strength, and identity.

Today’s phrase is a common one:

“Boys don’t cry.”

Maybe you heard it growing up. Maybe you’ve even said it.

But research and real-life stories both show us the same thing: when boys are told to hide their emotions, they’re being taught to suppress their healing. And that silence can grow into anger, shame, or emotional shut-down.

This isn’t strength. It’s survival.

Let’s raise a generation that knows expressing emotions makes them human and not weak.

Why this matters:

Let’s talk about a phrase that generations of boys have grown up hearing:

“Boys don’t cry.”

Whether it came from a parent, coach, teacher, or peer, this message does more than ask a child to hold in tears. It teaches them that feelings are wrong. That softness is weakness. That strength means silence.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Crying is a natural, healing response to pain and emotion. It helps the body regulate, the brain process, and the heart feel seen.

When we say “boys don’t cry,” we’re not building strong kids, we’re building emotional walls.

How to Talk About It (By Age)

Ages 3–5

“Crying is okay. That means your heart is talking.”

Ages 6–8

“Everyone cries. Boys, girls, and grownups, too! Feelings are for everyone.”

Ages 9+

Crying doesn’t make you weak. It makes you honest.”

☑️ Boys who laugh off pain or say “I’m fine” even when they’re not

 ☑️ Anger instead of sadness 

☑️ Fear of being teased for crying 

☑️ Resistance to asking for help

If you have been following this series with the young person/people in your life, they may make connections between today's phrase and "be a man"/ "man up." If so, that's wonderful! They are making connections and just like learning any new language, this is in alignment with the learning process. Bravo!