Tag Archives: parenting

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


Summer Survive and Thrive Tips



Ahhhh, summer! Relaxed lazy days….oh, who are we kidding?!? For most parents in the Northern hemisphere, summer is a time of stress. The kids are home from school and the parents have to somehow juggle their regular work schedule while also trying to keep their kids engaged, active and on screens for less than 12 … Continue reading Summer Survive and Thrive Tips


Breaking the Boy Code



The Boy Code. The Man Box. Whatever you want to call it, our boys are constrained by a largely unspoken set of expectations that exert pressure on them to behave and act in certain ways. Jonathon Reed helps boys — and others — understand and question these expectations. His podcast, Breaking the Boy Code, features … Continue reading Breaking the Boy Code


Teaching Boys Social Skills



Boys interact differently than girls do. Sure, some of that is socialization. (A lot of that is probably socialization.) But the fact remains: boys’ interactions on the playground, in school and at home are different than girls’. The way boys greet and play with one another is different than the way girls do so — … Continue reading Teaching Boys Social Skills


Will He Ever Grow Up?!



  When do boys grow up? That question tends to elicit a chuckle; ask it in a group of middle-aged women, and you’re likely to hear someone joke about their not-yet-grown husband. Ask it in a group of men, and well, you’ll hear much the same thing. But to anxious parents, the when do they … Continue reading Will He Ever Grow Up?!


Finding Balance & Handling Disrespect (Listener Q & A)



We recently put out a call for listener questions, and boy, did you send ’em to us! Deanna asked: about the struggle of trying to find the perfect balance of keeping your boys busy enough to stay out of trouble, yet not overscheduled Erin asked us how to handle a “chatty” son who insists he’s … Continue reading Finding Balance & Handling Disrespect (Listener Q & A)


How to Raise a Boy with Michael C. Reichert



  How do you raise boys to become great men? That’s the big question we tackle here at On Boys. It’s the question Jen grapples with in her own home and on BuildingBoys, and the question Janet helps parents and teachers explore and answer through her coaching and online courses. Michael C. Reichert has spent … Continue reading How to Raise a Boy with Michael C. Reichert


Helping Boys Deal with Negative Stereotypes



Boys are subject to negative stereotypes too. If you’ve been parenting boys for awhile, that fact probably isn’t news to you. You’ve probably heard your son complain about teachers who treat boys differently than girls. Maybe you’ve seen the way other moms watch your son — and you — at the park, as if they … Continue reading Helping Boys Deal with Negative Stereotypes


Trust Yourself Mama (w Kelly Goodwin)



Kelly Goodwin is boy mom extraordinaire. She’s got 5 boys (currently ages 8-16), a degree in child development and a slew of nieces and nephews. If parenting boys has taught her anything, it’s the power of trusting your instincts. That’s why she launched Trust Yourself Mama, a YouTube channel that encourages parents of young children … Continue reading Trust Yourself Mama (w Kelly Goodwin)


How to Listen to Him – So He Will Want to Talk with You



“He just won’t talk to me.” If you’ve ever uttered those words, you are not alone. Nearly every parent of boys has complained and/or worried about their sons’ silence. We know that there’s a lot going on in our boys’ lives and we want to help — but how can we help if they won’t … Continue reading How to Listen to Him – So He Will Want to Talk with You