Helping Boys Head Back to School

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The beginning of the school year stirs up a lot of emotions for boys — and their parents. The number of boys who don’t like school has been increasing in recent years. In 1980, just 14% of boys told researchers they “didn’t like” school. By 2001, 24% — nearly one-quarter of all boys — said they didn’t like school. Today, that number is likely even higher.

Pay attention to your son’s signals. His reactions to back-to-school ads and events can tell you a lot about his general attitude toward school. Look. Listen. Then, help him address his concerns.

Remember: school is just ONE PART of your son’s life. Sure, you’ll want to encourage him to do his best, but please leave room for family time and personal interests as well. Overemphasizing academics does not help boys.

In this episode, Janet & Jen discuss:

Why so many boys dislike school
Physical and emotional symptoms of school anxiety
Transitioning from summer to school
How to help your son set goals for the school year
Establishing a sane schedule
Prioritizing family time
How unstructured time helps boys learn
Teacher-parent relationships
How to get on his teacher’s “good side”
Why you shouldn’t “overshare” with your son’s teacher, especially at the beginning of the academic year
The kindergarten/1st grade conundrum — how to know when it’s time to send your son to first grade & why you might want to wait
Why it’s crucial to build activity into your son’s day