All posts by Janet

Dying to Be a Good Mother with Heather Chauvin



Heather Chauvin was dying to be a good mother. Her determination to get it *just right* was fueled by a sense of failure – and societal norms that define “good moms” as self-sacrificing. . 18 years old and single when her first child was born, Heather launched herself into parenting with gusto. She was determined … Continue reading Dying to Be a Good Mother with Heather Chauvin


Richard Louv on Animals, Nature & Boys



Humans are hard-wired to connect with other species, says Richard Louv, author of Our Wild Calling: How Connecting with Animals Can Transform Our Lives — and Save Theirs and Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder. The loneliness that so many of us (& our boys) are feeling right due is … Continue reading Richard Louv on Animals, Nature & Boys


Sensitive Boys (w Dr. Sandy Gluckman)



The “man box” doesn’t leave much room for sensitive boys. Society prefers rough-and-tumble boys and men — the strong, stoic types who lift heavy loads and “buck up,” rather than cry, when injured or down. So how do we help our sensitive boys navigate a world that doesn’t value their sensitivity? “Sensitive boys are very, … Continue reading Sensitive Boys (w Dr. Sandy Gluckman)


Autism Rocks and Rolls



About 1 in 54 children has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The key word in that sentence is “spectrum.” Some people with ASD are nonverbal; some are highly verbal. Some avoid physical contact; some enjoy it. As one popular saying puts it,  “Once you’ve met one … Continue reading Autism Rocks and Rolls


Family Personality Types



What’s your family personality?  Don’t know? You’re not alone. Most people don’t think of families as having personalities, but when you understand your personality, your partner’s personality and your kids’ personalities, life gets easier. Sandra Etherington, a family personality practitioner, uses the Myers-Briggs assessment to help families improve communication and collaboration. “The assessment measures tendencies … Continue reading Family Personality Types


A Revolution for Men & Boys



One of our favorite musicals is Les Miserables, which is a story about the French revolution. It’s also the story of love and transformation. What does that have to do with raising boys? Today’s guest is Dr. Charles Corprew, a psychologist and host of the podcast “What’s Your Revolution?” Charles is passionate about revolution — … Continue reading A Revolution for Men & Boys


Keeping Boys Safe Online (w Amy Lang)



Do you worry about keeping your boys safe online?  Thanks to the pandemic, we’re all spending more time online. And unlike in years past, porn is now ubiquitous and easily accessible. Boys today don’t even have to go looking for porn; it finds them. A simple, developmentally appropriate search for “sex” or “boobs” can lead … Continue reading Keeping Boys Safe Online (w Amy Lang)


Help! I Don’t Like My Boys



We don’t always like our boys.  It’s a bit taboo to admit that. We parents — moms especially! — are somehow expected to always have lovey feelings for our children. And we do love them. But sometimes, we don’t want to be around them. Sometimes, we want them to go away. Parents who admit they … Continue reading Help! I Don’t Like My Boys


Best of 2020: ON BOYS Year in Review



The phrase “best of 2020” is a bit laughable.  Using the term “best” to describe a year that’s included a global pandemic, remote schooling and massive disruptions to work and socialization seems almost…inappropriate. And yet, even 2020 had some bright spots. ON BOYS audience continued to grow. Our downloads increased by 207%. (We had nearly … Continue reading Best of 2020: ON BOYS Year in Review


ON BOYS Most Popular Episode of 2020



Dr. Cara Natterson’s book, Decoding Boys: New Science Behind the Subtle Art of Raising Sons, came out in February 2020 & made a big splash. Kirkus Reviews calls it, “A common-sensical, gently humorous exploration of male puberty’s many trials” and a New York Times article declared, “…for rational, evidence-based advice on how to talk to your … Continue reading ON BOYS Most Popular Episode of 2020