Navigating Mother-Son Relationships Insights from Ryan McCann on the Boy Mom Podcast

Suzanne Carawan
Dec 24, 2025
4 min read

Mother-son relationships often face unique challenges, especially during the teenage years when communication can feel strained or even absent. Many mothers worry that this difficult phase will last forever, leaving them feeling disconnected from their sons. On the latest episode of the Boy Mom Podcast, Ryan McCann, the only son of Suzanne (he does have a sister), shares his personal journey through these phases. As a graduate student-athlete at Seton Hill University, Ryan offers a rare and honest perspective on how his relationship with his mother evolved over time, providing hope and insight for mothers navigating similar experiences.

Listen to the episode on Spotify

Early Years: The Foundation of Connection

Ryan’s relationship with his mother started with the typical closeness many children share with their parents. In his early years, communication was easy and frequent. Suzanne was actively involved in his daily life, supporting his interests and school activities. Ryan recalls how this time was filled with shared experiences and open conversations, which laid a strong foundation for their bond.

This early connection is crucial because it builds trust and understanding that can help families weather tougher times later. Ryan emphasizes that even when communication fades during adolescence, the memories and trust from these early years remain important.

The Teenage Silence: Understanding the Distance

As Ryan entered middle and high school, the relationship with his mother changed significantly. Like many teens, he became more private and less communicative. Suzanne found this period challenging, often worrying that her son was shutting her out permanently.

Ryan explains that this silence was not about rejection but a natural part of growing up. He needed space to develop his own identity and navigate new social and academic pressures. He admits that at times, he was unaware of how much his silence affected his mother.

For mothers experiencing this phase, Ryan’s story offers reassurance: the silence is temporary and part of a normal developmental process. He encourages mothers to remain patient and available without pushing too hard for communication (okay, let's face it, this is not typically a mother's strong suit and we must fight the need to be fixers).

Rebuilding Bridges: The Turning Point

The turning point in Ryan and Suzanne’s relationship came when Ryan entered the later years of college where he has been playing lacrosse at Seton Hill University. This new phase brought maturity and a deeper appreciation for his mother’s support.

Ryan shares how he began to reflect on the sacrifices and love his mother showed throughout his life. He started initiating conversations and sharing more about his experiences, which helped rebuild their connection. Suzanne also adapted by listening more and respecting his growing independence.

This stage highlights the importance of flexibility and mutual respect in evolving relationships. Ryan’s experience shows that relationships can improve significantly when both sides make an effort to understand each other’s perspectives.

Practical Tips for Mothers with Teens

Ryan’s story offers valuable lessons for mothers who feel disconnected from their teenage sons. Here are some practical tips based on his insights:

Stay patient and present: Even if your teen doesn’t talk much, your consistent presence matters.
Respect their need for space: Allow your son to develop independence without feeling pressured.
Create low-pressure opportunities for connection: Activities like shared hobbies or casual outings can open doors for conversation.
Reflect on your own feelings: Understanding your worries can help you approach your son with empathy rather than frustration.
Celebrate small moments: Recognize and appreciate any effort your son makes to communicate.
Ryan McCann has played sports since early youth and continues to play in college.

The Power of Perspective: Seeing Through Your Son’s Eyes

One of the most powerful parts of the podcast is Ryan’s candid discussion of how he viewed his mother and their relationship at different life stages. This perspective helps mothers understand that their sons’ behavior is often shaped by internal struggles and growth rather than a lack of love.

Ryan’s openness about his evolving feelings encourages mothers to look beyond surface behaviors and seek deeper understanding. This shift in perspective can transform how mothers approach challenges and foster stronger bonds.

Ryan graduated from Seton Hill University and entered the MBA program while continuing to play lacrosse as a graduate student.

Encouragement for Mothers Facing Communication Challenges

For mothers worried that their teen’s silence will last forever, Ryan’s story is a beacon of hope. He proves that relationships can change and improve with time, patience, and effort. The Boy Mom Podcast episode reminds listeners that the teenage years are just one phase in a lifelong relationship.

By sharing his journey, Ryan offers encouragement to mothers to keep believing in the possibility of connection, even when it feels difficult. His story is a reminder that love and understanding can grow stronger through life’s ups and downs.

Mothers can also learn so much by observing their sons and being a witness to their strength and determination. To praise your son for his autonomy and the successes that come from him is just one of the ways that you can support your son as he grows into adulthood. Remember that our job is to raise men, not keep them little boys, and to be a parent, not a friend. Through experiencing Ryan on this podcast, the evidence is clear that mom Suzanne has done an exceptional job in navigating the unchartered waters of boy momhood. Ryan is an exceptional young man with an unlimited trajectory for what he can accomplish going forward.