Tag Archives: Better Help

Best of 2023



Powered by RedCircle Which ON BOYS episodes were the Best of 2023?  Your favorites include: 5. Simplicity Parenting with Kim John Payne Simplicity parenting prioritizes a balanced schedule, predictable rhythm, and decluttered, information-filtered family environment… The antidote to constant overwhelm is simple, Payne says. It’s simplicity. He advises parents to “dial back”… 4. Parental Accommodation & … Continue reading Best of 2023


ON BOYS Most Popular Episode of 2023



Powered by RedCircle Our January 5 conversation with Mary Van Geffen, Parenting “Spicy” Boys, is ON BOYS’ Most Popular Episode of 2023. (And Jen’s sons’ least favorite! Gen Z defines “spicy” quite differently than we’re using it here.) Sure, this episode, released early in the year, had the benefit of time. But Mary’s message also … Continue reading ON BOYS Most Popular Episode of 2023


America’s Marriage Coach Shares Relationship Advice



Powered by RedCircle America’s marriage coach, Dr. Jacquie Del Rosario, says nature and nurture affect our relationships. Moms are concerned with a lot of things at once; Dads tend to focus on one thing at a time. Many moms derive a sense of security from planning ahead for all possible contingencies. Dads tend to react … Continue reading America’s Marriage Coach Shares Relationship Advice


Sex Ed for Neurodiverse Kids



Powered by RedCircle Neurodiverse kids need comprehensive sex education too. “It’s a fundamental human right to have this information – & so important to their health & safety,” says Amy Lang, creator of Birds + Bees + Kids, a fantastic resource for parents, childcare providers and educators. Myths About Neurodiversity & Sexuality Many people (including well-meaning … Continue reading Sex Ed for Neurodiverse Kids


Christopher Pepper Discusses Health Education and Boys



Powered by RedCircle Health education varies greatly from place to place. Some boys receive great, age-appropriate, inclusive health education at school. Others do not. “It’s pretty inconsistent,” says Christopher Pepper, a health educator who currently teaches in the San Francisco Unified School District & is working on a book called TALK TO YOUR BOYS: 27 … Continue reading Christopher Pepper Discusses Health Education and Boys


Autonomy-Supportive Parenting



Powered by RedCircle Have you heard of autonomy-supportive parenting?  Essentially, it’s the opposite of helicopter parenting. It’s a parenting style that allows, supports, and encourages kids to make decisions and take action. And unlike helicopter parenting, which demands near-constant parental activity, autonomy-supportive parenting also supports parental rest (and can reduce burnout). “Intensive parenting is not … Continue reading Autonomy-Supportive Parenting


AnneMoss Rogers on Suicide Prevention & Struggling Teens



Powered by RedCircle If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, you can call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for help in the United States. Call 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255). The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is open 24 hours a day, every day. Services are also available en espanol. AnneMoss Rogers’ son Charles was “the … Continue reading AnneMoss Rogers on Suicide Prevention & Struggling Teens


Supporting LGBTQ+ Kids



Powered by RedCircle Supporting LGBTQ+ kids helps them become healthy adults. Jo Langford is a father, therapist, and author of The Pride Guide: A Guide to Social and Sexual health for LGBTQ Youth and Spare Me “The Talk!” (for both boy-identified and girl-identified youth). He helps kids and parents navigate sexuality, gender, media, and technology. … Continue reading Supporting LGBTQ+ Kids


Parenting for Gender Equity



Powered by RedCircle Gender equity begins at home. Policies matter, of course, but not as much as parenting. Think about that for a moment.  Parents need to think & talk about gender stereotypes and expectations because those stereotypes and expectations affect our parenting, says Shelly Vaziri Flais, a pediatrician, mom of four, and author of … Continue reading Parenting for Gender Equity


Dr. Friendtastic on Boys & Friendship



Powered by RedCircle Boys are twice as likely as girls to be friendless in middle school. And by adulthood, 1 in 5 men say they don’t have any close friends. Friendship matters for guys too – but clearly, boys face some unique challenges. “Boys & men have special challenges because of the image of how … Continue reading Dr. Friendtastic on Boys & Friendship