It’s not easy raising boys 11-13 and 14-16 years old. However young men in the 17-19 age group are unique and I’ll tell you why. They are (or should be) young adults at this point. That doesn’t mean you stop parenting but more importantly, he needs your help “preparing for” critical next steps. The most […]
In honor of National Mentor Day on October 27, 2020 I would like to share my experience as a mentor to young men, ages 11-16 who work every Saturday during the summer months in a garden. About the “Patch” The name of the garden is “Charity Patch.” Seven years ago, my wife and I set […]
Are you raising a young man 14 to 16-years-old and you are concerned because he’s pulling away from you (mom and/or dad)? He suddenly thinks he knows everything, and you know nothing! Here are some helpful tips:
Looking for parenting tips on what’s happening with your 11-13 year old son? I’ve worked with over 2,000 boys for more than 20 years in The Quest Project® a 10-week Modern Day Rite of Passage® program. We meet in age appropriate groups: 11 to 13, 14 to 16, and 17 to 19-year-olds. Here I focus […]
I am a proud Patriot of this country. An important part of my story that brings me to where I am today, and why I do the work I do to help boys is a result of my time in the United States Air Force. It Starts Like This Enlisting in the United States Air […]
What’s the difference in discipline and punishment you ask? There’s a big difference, in fact a huge difference between them. Let me explain. Punishment Your son has broken the rules; he’s been caught drinking or smoking, maybe a bad report card. You must do “something,” he needs to be punished. The way to stop a child from misbehaving […]
Born the eldest of three to Russell and Doris Lessor, I grew up in a small south city neighborhood in St. Louis. On the outside we looked like a typical happy lower middle-class family, on the inside it was a nightmare of alcoholism and abuse. I didn’t grow up privileged, I grew up making a […]
It’s time for a new school year to begin. As you monitor grades, homework and schedules, don’t forget to watch for social changes that may be related to peer pressure. Peer pressure is by definition: Social pressure by members of one’s peer group to take a certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise conform in […]
The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 has changed our lifestyle and routines. Let’s focus on school; there are a myriad of reasons for getting back to school! In my years of research, I find this to be the most compelling.
A rite of passage for a young male is a transition, and in its simplest terms means “changing from a boy to a man.” Unfortunately today in our society we have forgotten and moved away from recognizing and honoring this time in a young man’s life. The result is Our Boys are in Trouble! If you read […]