Tag Archives: learning

Encouraging Independence



As we in the United States celebrate our nation’s independence, we reflect on our boys’ drive for independence.  Toddlers cry, “I do it!” when we attempt to put on their clothes. Our teens scowl when we tell them what time to be home. Their frustration — toddlers’ & teens’ alike — is driven by their … Continue reading Encouraging Independence


Backcountry, Barbells & Boys



What do you get when you mix two fitness- and outdoors-minded dads with two moms who are staunch advocates for boys? A freewheeling discussion that touches on everything from fatherhood to weapons play and the current lack of movement in schools. Janet met Jaremy Day, co-host of the podcast Backcountry & Barbells, when she spoke … Continue reading Backcountry, Barbells & Boys


143 How Confidence & Joy Spark Success



“Confidence and joy are to the development of a child as oxygen is to life.”   — from Confidence & Joy: Success Strategies for Kids with Learning Differences If your son struggles — academically, socially, or emotionally — you know how quickly simple struggles can dissolve into despair. A child who feels unsuccessful at school … Continue reading 143 How Confidence & Joy Spark Success


141: Best of 2018



As 2018 draws to a close, we reflect back on our first year.  This podcast launched on March 12, 2018. Since then, we’ve recorded 40+ episodes, on everything from tween boy hygiene to how to talk to boys about sex, consent and masculinity in the #MeToo era. We hosted 11 guests, including Warren Farrell (author … Continue reading 141: Best of 2018


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


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


106: Screens and Boys



How many hours per week do your boys spend in front of a screen? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children ages 6-10 now spend 6 hours per day using screens as entertainment. That figure doesn’t count time spent learning via screens at school, or videochatting with grandma and grandpa. In this … Continue reading 106: Screens and Boys