Build Trust (So He’ll Want to Open Up Someday) by Letting Your Son Teach You Something

So many moms worry about one thing: Will my son ever really talk to me again?

As boys hit the tween and teen years, it’s normal for them to start pulling away. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. You might find yourself trying again and again to connect, only to feel like you’re falling short — and it’s painful to think he might never open up to you the way you hope.

At BoyWellness, we believe this:

We never stop trying to build our relationship with our sons.

Because it’s the small, steady moments that create a foundation of trust — the kind of trust he’ll need to come to you one day when he is ready to open up.

A simple & fun way to start building that trust?

Let your son teach you something.

It might sound small, but it’s actually huge. Here’s why:

It flips the usual dynamic — instead of you always guiding, reminding, or correcting, you’re putting him in the role of expert.
It shows him you genuinely value what he knows.
It builds his confidence and helps him feel respected.
And that’s precisely the kind of groundwork that makes it easier for him to share bigger, more personal things later on.

Important: When he’s teaching you, keep it 100% about appreciation, praise, and curiosity. No teasing, no “I already knew that,” and no corrections.

Just let him shine.

Wondering what he could teach you? So MUCH! You can't go wrong ASK!

Try these, especially if he’s between 10 and 14:

Can you show me how to research TikTok food trends? I’m craving something sweet.
(If you’re lucky, this might lead to making it together — and yes, it probably means making him one too.)
Can you teach me about your video game? I want to understand it better.
Can you help me figure out my phone or headphones? I swear I’m missing something.
Can you show me how to tie my shoes like that video? It looks way cooler than what I do now.
Can you teach me that TikTok dance I saw you practicing?

Try These for Ages 15 to 18:

Will you help me pick out sneakers that aren’t cringe? I trust your style way more than mine.
Hey, your perspective would really help — do you have a few minutes to look at something I’m working on?
Can you show me some exercises to build my arms?
Can you explain the dating lingo? I want to understand it better.

These are all chances to show you trust his knowledge and value his opinions, which is precisely what builds the kind of relationship he’ll feel safe opening up to in the future.