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What does Janet’s 8-month-old grandson have in common with a bunch of guys throwing darts at each other in a dark basement? A fascination with objects moving through space — a nearly universal male tendency that Janet is witnessing in real-time as her grandson delights in pushing, pulling, and moving objects that are bigger than … Continue reading Coffee with Jen & Janet
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We want to build boys — AND a just world. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by seemingly insurmountable challenges, and tempting to not take action on big societal issues like inequity because, well, what can we do anyway? But while it’s true that none of us can individually create the systemic changes that are needed … Continue reading Parenting, Privilege, & Building a Just World
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Holding the calm, says Hesha Abrams, is an essential skill for resolving conflict and diffusing tension. Conflict and tension trigger an individual’s amygdala, the “reptilian” part of the brain that initiates the flight-flight-or-freeze response. And when the amygdala is activated, the human body goes into a refractory state for about 20 minutes. Our eyes and … Continue reading Holding the Calm with Hesha Abrams
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Independence is good for kids. Helicopter parenting is bad for kids. But figuring out when to step in or step back…well, that’s a challenge! When another boy punched her 11 year old son in the face during hockey practice, writer and “boy mom” Caren Chesler acted immediately. “I had one leg over the half-wall and … Continue reading Step in or Step Back?
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Middle school boys may seem messy and mysterious, but they’re also entertaining, challenging, and inspiring, says Braden Bell. The middle school years are “a wonderful, magical moment,” says Bell, an experienced educator, father, and grandfather. “It’s important to keep in mind that we are not raising 6th graders, we are not raising 7th graders — … Continue reading Braden Bell Explains Middle School Boys
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Deborah Farmer Kris is a child development expert, author, and former educator — and she still finds raising kids a challenge! “None of us are slot machines,” she says. “It’s not like you put in this language and out pops a child who says ‘yes, mother.’” Parenting, Kris says, is humbling, partly because “there’s not … Continue reading Deborah Farmer Discusses Emotional Literacy (& Awe!)
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Positive parenting is more pleasant – and more effective than control-oriented parenting styles, says Amy McCready. Amy is a recovering yeller, mom of two grown sons, founder of Positive Parenting Solutions, and the author of The Me, Me, Me Epidemic: A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capable, Grateful Kids in an Over-Entitled World and If I … Continue reading Positive Parenting Solutions with Amy McCready
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“Boy mom” Claire Zulkey is the only female in her family. (Yes, the family dogs are male too.) She’s also a self-described “evil witch” & creator of Evil Witches newsletter, a fantastic community and newsletter for people who happen to be mothers and know that you can love and loathe your kids at the same … Continue reading Evil Witch Claire Zulkey on Life as a Boy Mom
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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)
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Dads need to help boys understand and shape masculinity. In years past, fathers were often “there, but not there,” according to Craig Wilkinson, a dad of two and founder of Father a Nation, a South African nonprofit that addresses gender-based violence, crime and fatherlessness by restoring and equipping men to be nation-builders, fathers and role … Continue reading Dads, Boys, & Masculinity