Raising Boys in Today’s World: Our Honest Conversation as Parents

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In this heartfelt episode of Not Alone, Valeria sits down with her husband Gary for an intimate and honest conversation about family life, parenting, and the values that shape their home. Together, they open up about raising their three boys and reflect on how their approach to parenting has evolved over the years. From Gary’s “clairvoyant” instincts about their kids’ genders to navigating the early days of parenthood and finding patience along the way, the couple shares stories that are both funny and deeply touching. They discuss teaching their sons critical thinking in the digital age, the importance of leading by example, and how they stay intentional about what they allow into their home. With moments of laughter, reflection, and even tears, Valeria and Gary discuss what kind of parents they want to be for their boys, and why, in the Lipovetsky household, accountability, integrity, and love are always at the core.

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Books I Mentioned:

The Sovereign Child - https://www.amazon.com/Sovereign-Child-Forgotten-Philosophy-Liberate/dp/1544547978

What we talked about: 

0:20 - Valeria sets up episode with Gary on raising boys

2:48 - Gary and Valeria start chatting

3:04 - Gary noticing their kids seem smarter

3:58 - Max’s magical birth 

4:55 - Finding out the gender of their babies

5:07 - Gary’s clairvoyancy with Jake

6:33 - Max’s gender reveal story

8:46 - Valeria’s mother wanting a girl  

9:43 - Experiencing no gender disappointment

10:16 - Honeymoon stage with the boys now

11:52 - Valeria thinking Gary’s takes the lead on parenting

13:08 - Vuori Ad

14:05 - Floatley Ad

17:09 - Finding your parenting style

17:27 - Gary’s motivation when it comes to the kids

20:52 - Not limiting access to the internet, teaching critical thinking

23:46 - “The Sovereign Child” Book

24:45 - Regretting lack of patience with the first child

27:12 - The different relationships with each child

28:25 - Valeria wanting to see more role model dads

30:14 - Lipovetsky core family values 

31:16 - Most repeated phrase in the household - “that’s not fair”

35:37 - External validation is very short-lived & won’t make you happy

37:29 - What the boys will say about their dad in 20 years

39:54 - Open House night at the kids’ school

40:48 - Non-negotiables in the household

42:11 - Gary’s favorite “Just the two of us” lyrics

44:27 - Gary preparing kids for the day he won’t be around

47:00 - Crying on the podcast

48:08 - Talking about the business in front of the kids

49:40 - Evolving as parents

50:20 - Gary’s focus on leading by example

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