Tag Archives: risk

Forest Schools Get Boys Learning Naturally



School + nature = forest schools “A forest school is holistic education outdoors in nature,” says Nicki Farrell, co-founder of Wildings Forest School in Queensland, Australia. Learning doesn’t typically follow set curriculum; rather, it’s child-led. Education is individualized and play-based and includes plenty of movement. The kids who struggle the most in traditional schools — … Continue reading Forest Schools Get Boys Learning Naturally


Learning to Live with Boys (w Katy Rank Lev)



Katy Rank Lev has 3 feral sons. (Her words, not ours!) And up until her first son was born nine years ago, Katy had zero experience living with boys. She recently sent us this message :  I just had to write in and tell you all how meaningful your podcast is for me. I have all … Continue reading Learning to Live with Boys (w Katy Rank Lev)


132: Risk-Taking Boys with Mom Judi Ketteler



Would you let your 10-year-old son hang out with a bunch of teenagers you haven’t met? Would you let him attempt a double or triple flip in the trampoline in the backyard – or manage his own Instagram account? Writer and mom Judi Ketteler has. In a society that spends so much time telling boys … Continue reading 132: Risk-Taking Boys with Mom Judi Ketteler


123: The Good News About Bad Behavior with Katherine Reynolds Lewis



  If your kids always do what they’re told, consistently treat others with kindness and never over-react to unintended slights, you can skip this episode. If not — WELCOME! Your child is 100% normal, and you’re going to love this conversation with Jen, Janet and Katherine Reynolds Lewis, author of The Good News About Bad … Continue reading 123: The Good News About Bad Behavior with Katherine Reynolds Lewis


117: Summer Jobs



Does your son have a summer job? Most boys don’t. In 1978, 60% of teens had summer jobs; today, that number hovers between 35 and 40%. Boys today are more likely to spend their days playing sports, brushing up on academics and traveling with family or as part of mission teams. (And playing Fortnite.) Years … Continue reading 117: Summer Jobs


116: Why Risk Is Important for Boys



How comfortable are you with risk? Do you respond with fear or encouragement when your son wants to try something new? How about when you find him climbing atop your tree house? Or doing flips off a public staircase? Adults’ desire to keep boys safe often interferes with boys’ ability to take chances and try … Continue reading 116: Why Risk Is Important for Boys


113: Lying, Risk, & How to Advocate for Boys (Listener Q&A, Part 2)



Welcome to Part 2 of our first Listener Q & A! This week, Jen & Janet tackle 3 more questions: “What strategies do you use to deal with a sudden increase in lying in pre-teen boys?” “What’s the best way to allow young boys to be adventurous/risky physically while maintaining a clear, safe boundary and … Continue reading 113: Lying, Risk, & How to Advocate for Boys (Listener Q&A, Part 2)


111: Self-Esteem and Boys



According to the Oxford Living Dictionaries, self-esteem is “confidence in one’s own worth or abilities; self-respect.” That’s something we want for our kids. We’re not talking about participation trophies simply for showing up; we’re talking about a true sense of pride that comes for knowledge of your capabilities. Nurturing that kind of self-confidence is a … Continue reading 111: Self-Esteem and Boys