Tag Archives: teens

Personal Hygiene for Tween & Teen Boys



We initially ran this episode in July 2018. But we’ve gained a lot of followers since then and tween & teen boys have not suddenly gotten better at personal hygiene in the interim. If you’re sick of fighting with your boy about hygiene, this episode is a must-listen. Have a boy who hates to shower? … Continue reading Personal Hygiene for Tween & Teen Boys


Paul Tough on What Boys Need to Know About College



How important is college? That’s a fraught question for many families, particularly in an age of rapid technological change and occupational insecurity. We’ve been told that education is the key to success, but post-secondary education is priced like a luxury item, at least here in the U.S. In his new book, The Years That Matter … Continue reading Paul Tough on What Boys Need to Know About College


Parenting Tween & Teenage Boys



Are all teenage boys jerks? That’s the question we tackle in this episode, albeit with some more colorful language. (Heads up: If you’re opposed to the word “asshole,” you might want to skip this episode. If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “When did my kid become such an asshole?!?” you’re definitely going to want to … Continue reading Parenting Tween & Teenage Boys


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


Managing the Transition to College



Do you have a son heading off to college or university this fall? How about in the future? The more you know about the college search and admission process, the easier this transition will be — for your son, for you and for your entire family. Dr. Pamela Ellis, author of What to Know Before … Continue reading Managing the Transition to College


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?!


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


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)


Vaping & E-Cigarette Use: What Parents Need to Know



Nearly 1 in 3 high school seniors tried vaping in the last year.  Middle schoolers are vaping too. According to the Centers for Disease Control, e-cigarette use among middle school students increased by 48% between 2017 and 2018. Now, nearly 5% of middle school students in the United States vape on a regular basis. Kids … Continue reading Vaping & E-Cigarette Use: What Parents Need to Know


Age 16, Teen Driving & Cars



Sweet 16. Here in the United States, age 16 has long been an eagerly anticipated milestone, largely because teens are eligible to get a driver’s license at age 16. In the minds of many teens, age 16 = driver’s license = increased independence. In the minds of many parents, age 16 = increased insurance costs … Continue reading Age 16, Teen Driving & Cars