Tag Archives: emotional development

How The Book of Dares Can Help Boys



The Book of Dares: 100 Way for Boys to be Kind, Bold and Brave turns “dare culture” on its head.  As you likely know, boys live in a world in which status is never fixed; it’s dependent upon their ability to rise to the challenge, to dominate others and not back down from fights. That’s … Continue reading How The Book of Dares Can Help Boys


Dying to Be a Good Mother with Heather Chauvin



Heather Chauvin was dying to be a good mother. Her determination to get it *just right* was fueled by a sense of failure – and societal norms that define “good moms” as self-sacrificing. . 18 years old and single when her first child was born, Heather launched herself into parenting with gusto. She was determined … Continue reading Dying to Be a Good Mother with Heather Chauvin


Sensitive Boys (w Dr. Sandy Gluckman)



The “man box” doesn’t leave much room for sensitive boys. Society prefers rough-and-tumble boys and men — the strong, stoic types who lift heavy loads and “buck up,” rather than cry, when injured or down. So how do we help our sensitive boys navigate a world that doesn’t value their sensitivity? “Sensitive boys are very, … Continue reading Sensitive Boys (w Dr. Sandy Gluckman)


Helping Boys Become Resilient with Dr. Sandy Gluckman



How do you help boys become resilient?  It’s easy enough to say that resiliency is important, and we know that the ability to bounce back in spite of obstacles is essential for success and happiness in life. But how exactly does one build resilience? Contrary to popular belief, you can’t teach a child resilience, says … Continue reading Helping Boys Become Resilient with Dr. Sandy Gluckman


Preparing Boys for the World of Work



One of our most important jobs as parents is preparing our boys for the world of work. The work world, though, has changed dramatically over the last few decades. “There’s been a shift from the competitive dog-eat-dog/rat race to a flatter, faster and fairness-focused world of work,” says Ed Frauenheim, co-author of Reinventing Masculinity: The … Continue reading Preparing Boys for the World of Work


How (& Why) to Start a Boys’ Book Club



Can a book club help boys enjoy reading?  Yes, says Erin O’Donnell, a mom of two boys and author of How to Start a Kids Book Club. She and a bunch of other moms started a mother/son book club when their sons were in 3rd grade, on the cusp of the transition from learning to … Continue reading How (& Why) to Start a Boys’ Book Club


Wilderness Therapy w Paul Cumbo



He couldn’t sleep. Mike’s face stung from the gash and the stitches and a pulsing ache radiated from the back of his skull. His knuckles were shredded, and his arm throbbed under the thick bandages. Whether he closed or opened his eyes — even his EYES hurt — the images were there. Like grainy documentary … Continue reading Wilderness Therapy w Paul Cumbo


The Art of Roughhousing (w Dr. Lawrence Cohen)



Roughhousing can teach boys about healthy touch. Society teaches boys that there are two kinds of “acceptable” touch for males: sex, and aggression. No wonder so many boys and men turn to sex and aggression to meet their very human need for touch! Physical play — including play wrestling, “chase” games and roughhousing — give … Continue reading The Art of Roughhousing (w Dr. Lawrence Cohen)


Mom is in Control with Heather Chauvin



Is mom in control at your house?  We don’t mean “in control” in the dictator sense, or in the mom-is-storming-around-the-house-yelling-at-everyone way. We don’t even mean “in control” to mean “your house is neat and orderly and your children do exactly as you say.” We mean in control of YOURSELF. After all, the only thing you … Continue reading Mom is in Control with Heather Chauvin


Managing Emotions



Managing emotions — our boys, & our own — is challenging in the best of times. This, most definitely is not the best of times. We’re cooped up in our houses with kids who miss their friends and activities. With boys who no longer have soccer or baseball practice to help them burn off some … Continue reading Managing Emotions