In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys, Kathy sits down with Keanu Mendoza, a warm, reflective, and deeply thoughtful young man whose early life could have easily led him down a familiar path of drugs, gangs, and incarceration. Raised without his parents present, Keanu spent his early childhood with his grandmother before her passing, and later with an aunt and uncle who stepped in during his most vulnerable years.Keanu shares openly about growing up feeling lonely, shy, and unsure of who he was — including being bullied at school, struggling with self-confidence, and longing to belong. Grounded in faith and shaped by consistent, firm, and loving guidance, he chose a different path. Today, Keanu is serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, is a first-generation college graduate, and is continuing his education with plans for graduate school.This conversation offers hope to young people who feel trapped by their circumstances — and powerful insight for parents, mentors, and educators into what truly helps boys find their footing, their voice, and their sense of self.**********Feeling motivated? Here's a short, powerful coaching experience to help you tune in, connect, and understand your son—one tiny step at a time.Join my free 1:1 Tiny Challenge™: 3 Days to a Stronger Connection With Your Son✨ In just 3 days, you’ll take one small step each day to understand, connect, and affirm your son—no overwhelm, no pressure, just powerful parenting in action.Here’s how it works: ✔️ I’ll send you one simple action + reflection each day ✔️ You’ll message me back with your experience ✔️ I’ll support you personally with insights, encouragement, and next steps👉 Ready to get started? You can just send me a note at [email protected] and say “I’m in!” and I’ll take care of the rest.**********Guest BioKeanu Mendoza was born and raised in California. He grew up without his parents present and spent much of his early childhood being raised by his grandmother before her passing. In his early teens, his aunt and uncle stepped in to raise him and his brother, providing the stability and guidance that would change his life’s direction.Keanu is currently serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, the first in his family to do so. He is also a first-generation college graduate from Southern New Hampshire University, where he earned both his associate and bachelor’s degrees in business administration. At 26 years old, Keanu continues to pursue growth, learning, and service, with plans to begin graduate studies.Topics DiscussedFamily & Early LifeRaised primarily by his grandmother; family instability and early loss.Met his biological father only once (around age 5–6).Mother in and out of his life, mostly out, and struggling with substance issues.Moved in with his aunt and uncle in 7th grade (age 12–13) — the adults who “stepped up.”School, Identity & BullyingGrowing up a shy, chubby child and being bullied at school.Struggles with self-confidenceHow loneliness and the need to belong made him vulnerable in adolescence.Turning Points & MentorsThe decisive influence of his uncle and aunt: structure, discipline, and steady presence.Other local mentors (neighbor/church leader) who introduced him to faith and music.How one person’s intervention can change a boy’s trajectory.Choices, Resilience & PurposeChoosing a different path despite generational patterns of drugs, gangs, and incarceration.Joining the U.S. Marine Corps: finding structure, belonging,

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