GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — It's not uncommon that people respond to young children - even babies - in a way that reinforces outdated gender stereotypes. You know, boys need to be tough and not show feelings, girls need to be soft and nurturing, and similar old-school beliefs?

Dr. Marti Erickson says we should throw all that stuff out the window. As a developmental psychologist and co-host of the "Mom Enough" podcast, Erickson says small changes in terms of how we respond to and talk to our boys can make a big difference in the kinds of men they become. Close connections, she believes, are key.

Among the things parents and close adults can do:

Dr. Marti visited KARE 11 Saturday to talk about the power of connection in building good men. For more topics on raising kids and building families,

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