Tag Archives: stereotypes

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


Honoring Dads on Father’s Day (& Always)



Father’s Day here in America was first celebrated on June 19, 1910. It wasn’t declared an official holiday until 1972—58 years AFTER  Mother’s Day was made official. Dads have long been assumed to be secondary parents, at best. But popular and persistent stereotypes of fatherhood — though perhaps grounded in some truth — don’t accurately … Continue reading Honoring Dads on Father’s Day (& Always)


Jack Kammer: Boys are Affected by Sexism Too



Jack Kammer says boys are affected by sexism too.  Boys and girls who engage in the same exact behavior may be treated very differently. And yet, when we fail to acknowledge that fact, we contribute to the gaslighting of our boys. Because the truth is that males and females both experience advantages AND disadvantages related … Continue reading Jack Kammer: Boys are Affected by Sexism Too


The Tyler Merritt Project on Helping Boys Survive Mistakes



Before he started The Tyler Merritt Project or created his viral video, Before You Call the Cops, Tyler Merritt was a confused, young black boy trying to make sense of all the expectations and stereotypes swirling around him. “I wish somebody had really sat down with me as a young person and simply said, ‘Hey, … Continue reading The Tyler Merritt Project on Helping Boys Survive Mistakes


The Musical Child with Joan Koenig



Is your son musical?  Yes, he is — even if hates singing, doesn’t play an instrument, and acts up in music class. Human beings are inherently musical creatures, according to Joan Koenig, author of The Musical Child: Using the Power of Music to Raise Children Who Are Happy, Healthy, and Whole. In her book, Joan … Continue reading The Musical Child with Joan Koenig


Why Feminist Tosha Schore Became an Advocate for Boys



Having sons forced Tosha Schore to reevaluate everything she knew about boys. Schore, the daughter of a single mom, grew up stepped in the women’s movement. As a  child, she attended marches and rallies for women’s rights and, in college, she majored in Women’s Studies. She was pregnant with her first child and sidelined with … Continue reading Why Feminist Tosha Schore Became an Advocate for Boys


My Boy Can with Sassy Harvey



Sassy Harvey believes “my boy can.” The mother of a young son who loves dance, Barbie and princesses. Sassy started a social movement after her then 4-year-old son quit dance because he’d been told that only girls and gay people dance. Now, My Boy Can is supporting boys and their parents as they challenge gender … Continue reading My Boy Can with Sassy Harvey


Supporting Boys’ Interests



Supporting boys’ interests is essential, especially in a world that so often tells them their interests are unwelcome. Wanna wrestle? Don’t; you might hurt someone. Wanna dance? Don’t; that’s for girls. Restrained by stereotypes, gender expectations and parents and teachers who prefer boys who sit down and take direction without comment or complaint, too may … Continue reading Supporting Boys’ Interests


Supporting Black Boys’ Mental Health (w Chandra White-Cummings)



Suicide rates among black boys ages 13-19 rose 60% from 2001 to 2017. And for children ages 5-12, black males are committing suicide at higher rates than any other racial or ethnic group. Significant numbers of black boys are ending their lives before puberty. This is not OK. “There is a lot of discussion going on … Continue reading Supporting Black Boys’ Mental Health (w Chandra White-Cummings)


Middle School Matters with Phyllis Fagell



“Middle school,” Phyillis Fagell says, “is a stew of simmering hormones, shifting relationships and increased expectations.” It’s also a time of massive confusion and overwhelm — for middle school boys and their parents. Phyllis Fagell is a school counselor and the author of Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle … Continue reading Middle School Matters with Phyllis Fagell