Category Archives: School Life

131: Emails & Phone Calls from Teachers



How do you respond to phone calls and emails from teachers about your son’s misbehavior? Excerpts of actual emails I’ve received from my son’s teachers: On Tuesday, Sam was sitting in a chair with his legs on a stool, he was flipping it and turning the stool with his legs and feet. I made eye … Continue reading 131: Emails & Phone Calls from Teachers


126: Helping Teachers Understand Boys



A listener asked us, “How do you gently encourage/educate your boy’s teacher on what boys need and how to help them, rather than shame them, when they have gone into anger?” The short answer: It ain’t easy, but it’s so, so worth it! Many teachers know very little about the specific developmental trajectory and needs … Continue reading 126: Helping Teachers Understand Boys


124: How to Help Your Boys Have a Great School Year



It’s back to school time!  But despite the smiley faces pictured in many back-to-school ads, the start of a new academic year doesn’t exactly generate feelings of enthusiasm and excitement in many boys (or their parents). For many families, back-to-school time is synonymous with dread, fear and anxiety. In fact, the number of boys who … Continue reading 124: How to Help Your Boys Have a Great School Year


112: Potty Talk, Vaping & School (Listener Q&A, Part 1)



When we put out a call for listener questions, you sent us some doozies! In this, our first-ever Listener Q & A (Part 1), we tackle three of your questions: “I just finished listening to the podcast episode with Amy Lang. I know she says we should begin talking to boys about bodies at 5 … Continue reading 112: Potty Talk, Vaping & School (Listener Q&A, Part 1)


101: Homework and Boys



Few things cause boys (and their families) as much stress as HOMEWORK. In many cases, homework battles turn into outright power struggles — with no winners. In this episode, Jen & Janet discuss: Why boys struggle with homework The impact of homework on boys’ academic achievement What to do about “meaningless” homework How a “too … Continue reading 101: Homework and Boys