In the latest The Expressive Mom Show, I enjoyed interviewing Kathryne Savage Imabayashi, an inspiring advocate for challenging harmful masculinity stereotypes.
Kathryne’s career is nothing short of remarkable. With over two decades of experience in education, she has impacted the lives of children, parents, and teachers across the globe.
From her early days as an elementary school teacher in Canada to leadership roles in Georgia, Qatar, and Tokyo, Kathryne has left her mark everywhere she’s gone.
Her work has spanned classrooms in Japan, Lebanon, and Thailand, as well as administrative positions in Hiroshima, shaping countless lives along the way.
Kathryne’s passion lies in supporting boys, particularly by dismantling harmful stereotypes that stifle their growth. Through her company, Sonhood Coaching, she offers workshops, presentations, and coaching that challenge society’s outdated ideas about masculinity.
These efforts help boys and their families rethink the rigid expectations placed upon them.
Kathryne is also the founder of an international preschool in Japan and holds multiple degrees and teaching licenses, all of which fuel her drive to create a more empathetic, understanding world for boys.
Now based in Japan, she continues her work, using her expertise to transform the conversation around gender and emotional health.
Breaking Stereotypes About Boys
The societal expectations surrounding boys often force them into restrictive boxes, creating damaging stereotypes about what it means to be “manly.” From an early age, boys are encouraged to be tough, to hold back their emotions, and to reject vulnerability.
While this may seem an effective way to prepare them for life’s challenges, it often causes more harm than good.
These pressures prevent boys from expressing their true emotions, leading to difficulties in communication, emotional suppression, and an inability to seek help when needed.
Kathryne is dedicated to challenging these harmful expectations. She believes that by breaking free of stereotypes, boys can fully explore a wider range of emotions, talents, and interests.
This not only benefits their personal growth but also nurtures their well-being. When boys express vulnerability, they grow into well-rounded, emotionally resilient individuals who can handle life’s complexities with empathy and confidence.
Her work focuses on reshaping how we view masculinity, teaching boys that it’s okay to feel deeply, communicate openly, and embrace their softer side.
Fostering these changes allows boys to thrive, creating a more inclusive society for everyone. It’s not just about letting boys be themselves—challenging gender norms benefits all of us by cultivating a culture of emotional intelligence, open dialogue, and mutual respect.
Ultimately, Kathryne’s mission is to create an environment where boys feel seen, supported, and valued, paving the way for a more empathetic future.
Don’t miss this insightful episode, in which Kathryne shares practical advice on how to help break down outdated masculine stereotypes for the next generation of boys.
You can connect with Kathryne through her website, https://www.
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