All posts by Janet

Happy SECOND Anniversary to ON BOYS



Two years. More than 100 episodes covering important topics such as boys & sex, masculinity, ADHD, mental health, honesty & so much more. But on our SECOND anniversary, we’re most grateful for the relationships we’ve created. We’re no longer simply co-hosts or colleagues; we’re friends. We enjoy talking to one another as much as (we … Continue reading Happy SECOND Anniversary to ON BOYS


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)


Understanding Male Development: Baby Boys & Toddlers



Baby boys’ testosterone levels are nearly the same as teenage boys’. But for the first few weeks after conception, well, there’s no discernible difference between a male embryo and a female embryo. The testosterone surge that occurs in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy is responsible for the cascade of developmental changes that what … Continue reading Understanding Male Development: Baby Boys & Toddlers


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


ADHD with Ryan Wexelblatt the ADHD Dude



Approximately 3-10% of children have ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Many of them — the majority, in fact — are boys. Today’s guest, Ryan Wexelblatt (aka ADHD Dude) describes ADHD as “an executive function developmental delay.” What that means: In all humans, the brain’s prefrontal cortex (or “frontal lobe”) acts as the operating system for the brain. … Continue reading ADHD with Ryan Wexelblatt the ADHD Dude


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)


Dealing with Change, Anxiety & Energy (Listener Q & A)



How do you help boys deal with change and anxiety? And how can parents deal with boys’ incessant energy?  Those are just a few of the questions we tackle in our first listener Q & A of 2020! Jacquie asked: How do you help boys adjust to change and uncomfortable situations (new school, daycare, meeting … Continue reading Dealing with Change, Anxiety & Energy (Listener Q & A)


Meagan Francis of The Mom Hour: Parenting in the Digital Age



Meagan Francis has been writing, blogging and podcasting about parenting for the better part of 20 years. You might not know her name, but odds are good you’ve seen a photo of her: That’s Meagan, in the hot pink dress. And that’s one of her (four) boys under her arm. (Meagan also has a daughter.) … Continue reading Meagan Francis of The Mom Hour: Parenting in the Digital Age