Wednesday, April 22, 2026
noon–1 p.m. PT
Live Q&A webinar streamed on Zoom
⭐ Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Seattle Children’s, we’ve unlocked free tickets for the first 250 registrants who sign up for this talk ($10 value). Claim yours now with promo code SCHFree250.*
Boys today are growing up in a completely different world, and much of it is happening out of sight. Early exposure to porn. Immersive gaming. Constant access to screens.
These forces are shaping how boys understand relationships, connection and identity, often before they have the emotional tools to make sense of them. And in the face of earlier puberty, with its rising and falling testosterone levels, the combination can appear as withdrawal, shutdown or sudden distance.
In this eye-opening ParentEd Talk, pediatrician and The New York Times bestselling author Dr. Cara Natterson — the doctor behind American Girl’s “The Care and Keeping of You” and “Guy Stuff” series (8 million copies in print), “Decoding Boys” and “This Is So Awkward”— unpacks what’s really driving boys’ behavior. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, she explains why boys often retreat during adolescence, what’s happening in their brains and bodies long before parents see the visible signs, and how families can stay connected through the transition.
If you feel like your son is pulling away and you’re not sure why, this conversation will help you understand what’s happening and what to do next.
You’ll learn:
- Why boys go quiet during puberty, and what it really means
- How development starts earlier than most parents expect
- Practical, research-backed ways to keep communication open
- How to navigate screens, social pressures and emotional changes with confidence
Get the science and the scripts. Reserve your spot for the live Zoom talk and get access to the recording to watch anytime.
Due to an unexpected scheduling conflict, our original speaker, Richard Reeves, is no longer able to join us. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Natterson to lead this conversation.
About the speaker 
Cara Natterson, M.D., is a pediatrician, speaker and The New York Times bestselling author of multiple parenting and health books, including “The Care and Keeping of You,” (6+ million copies in print), “Guy Stuff” and “Decoding Boys.” She is cohost of the podcast This Is So Awkward, helping parents navigate puberty and adolescence with clarity and confidence.
A graduate of Harvard University and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Natterson trained in pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco. She later founded Worry Proof Consulting, a practice dedicated to helping parents address their most pressing concerns, and has been featured on NPR.
Parenting brings joys, challenges and so many questions, and we weren’t meant to figure it out on our own. That’s why ParentMap is thrilled to offer our expert-led monthly webinar series, featuring some of the brightest minds in parenting. We will tackle today’s most pressing issues, such as the youth mental health crisis, complexities of ADHD, and the hidden impacts of AI and modern technology — while offering guidance, support and inspiration along the way.
ParentMap has partnered with over 270 schools and organizations to provide families with complimentary access to our talks. A valid promo code from a participating member is required to redeem your free tickets. Check here to see if your school or organization is a member.
*SCHFree250 promo code is valid March 26–April 22, 2026. Offer is not valid for registrants who has already purchased tickets to the 2025–2026 ParentEd Talks series or the Cara Natterson (originally Richard Reeves) single talk.
Thank you to our event sponsors, whose support empowers ParentMap to bring ParentEd Talks to our community.
Presenting series sponsor:
Gold sponsor:
Community partner:
John and Nancy Sabol Foundation
Interested in becoming a school member or sponsor for ParentMap's ParentEd Talks? Contact advertising@parentmap.com to get more information.