Tag Archives: emotional development

Preparing Boys for the World of Work



One of our most important jobs as parents is preparing our boys for the world of work. The work world, though, has changed dramatically over the last few decades. “There’s been a shift from the competitive dog-eat-dog/rat race to a flatter, faster and fairness-focused world of work,” says Ed Frauenheim, co-author of Reinventing Masculinity: The … Continue reading Preparing Boys for the World of Work


How (& Why) to Start a Boys’ Book Club



Can a book club help boys enjoy reading?  Yes, says Erin O’Donnell, a mom of two boys and author of How to Start a Kids Book Club. She and a bunch of other moms started a mother/son book club when their sons were in 3rd grade, on the cusp of the transition from learning to … Continue reading How (& Why) to Start a Boys’ Book Club


Wilderness Therapy w Paul Cumbo



He couldn’t sleep. Mike’s face stung from the gash and the stitches and a pulsing ache radiated from the back of his skull. His knuckles were shredded, and his arm throbbed under the thick bandages. Whether he closed or opened his eyes — even his EYES hurt — the images were there. Like grainy documentary … Continue reading Wilderness Therapy w Paul Cumbo


The Art of Roughhousing (w Dr. Lawrence Cohen)



Roughhousing can teach boys about healthy touch. Society teaches boys that there are two kinds of “acceptable” touch for males: sex, and aggression. No wonder so many boys and men turn to sex and aggression to meet their very human need for touch! Physical play — including play wrestling, “chase” games and roughhousing — give … Continue reading The Art of Roughhousing (w Dr. Lawrence Cohen)


Mom is in Control with Heather Chauvin



Is mom in control at your house?  We don’t mean “in control” in the dictator sense, or in the mom-is-storming-around-the-house-yelling-at-everyone way. We don’t even mean “in control” to mean “your house is neat and orderly and your children do exactly as you say.” We mean in control of YOURSELF. After all, the only thing you … Continue reading Mom is in Control with Heather Chauvin


Managing Emotions



Managing emotions — our boys, & our own — is challenging in the best of times. This, most definitely is not the best of times. We’re cooped up in our houses with kids who miss their friends and activities. With boys who no longer have soccer or baseball practice to help them burn off some … Continue reading Managing Emotions


Raising Boys in an Era of Girl Power (Listener Q & A)



Raising boys brings up all kinds of questions. No matter how long you’ve been parenting, educating or working with boys, you’re bound to stumble into a situation that you don’t quite know how to handle — on a weekly basis. At least. In this listener Q & A, we tackle some evergreen questions. Jen also … Continue reading Raising Boys in an Era of Girl Power (Listener Q & A)


Twice Exceptional Boys (w Ramsey Hootman)



Do you know what the term “2e” means? 2e is short for “twice exceptional,” a term used to refer to people who are both highly gifted and learning disabled. As you might imagine, meeting the social, emotional and educational needs of a 2e child is quite a challenge. Ramsey Hootman is an author and mom … Continue reading Twice Exceptional Boys (w Ramsey Hootman)


Boys and Sex with Peggy Orenstein



Talking about boys and sex can be uncomfortable. But if want our boys (and girls and non-binary children) to have healthy, safe, fulfilling sexual relationships, it’s essential. And there’s the hitch, right? A lot of us don’t even want to think about our children having sexual relationships — and when we do talk to our kids … Continue reading Boys and Sex with Peggy Orenstein


Teaching Honesty in a World That Lies (w Judi Ketteler)



Is honesty the best policy?  Not necessarily, says Judi Ketteler, author of Would I Lie to You? The Amazing Power of Being Honest in a World That Lies. If Judi’s name (and voice) sound familiar to you, it’s because she’s been on the podcast before: in Oct. 2018, she talked to us about parenting risk-taking … Continue reading Teaching Honesty in a World That Lies (w Judi Ketteler)