From Boy to Man
Raising Sons? He Needs A Plan!
When Tom Roten of The Tom Roten Morning Show called to ask if I’d like to come on his show and talk about the 30-year-old man whose parents were imploring the court to help them “boot him” out of the house, I quickly responded ABSOLUTELY! Though I cover the topic of having “an exit plan” for…
Read MoreCore Value-Accountability
Along with honesty, empathy and integrity, I regard accountability a very important core value. The “Yes…but” Game Do you play the “yes…but” game at your house? Too many times parents are quick to “move on” if their child has done something wrong. “Yes, I wrecked the car mom…but it wasn’t my fault!” There’s no accountability!…
Read MoreFantasy Son
Every parent has hopes and dreams for their child; a fantasy! You looked at your newborn boy and saw endless possibilities. He’ll be a doctor, star athlete, CEO of a corporation or President of the United States! The problem with this kind of thinking is that there is usually—in fact, always—a difference between this fantasy son you’ve created…
Read MoreA Special Message For Mom
This is dedicated to all the Mom’s out there who are raising son(s)! Thanks To Mom If you’re a single Mom, you don’t need me to tell you how hard it is raising kids alone. Most mom’s I talk to feel they are filling the role of dad too. You are most likely working a full-time…
Read MoreCore Value Empathy
I’ve witnessed a fair number of parents lately making the decision to “shield” their son from tragedy, death, divorce; basically, anything that may cause sadness. It’s unhealthy, it prevents him from feeling/having empathy, let me explain why. What Is Empathy? Psychology Today says it like this: Empathy is the experience of understanding another person’s condition from their…
Read MoreRite-of-Passage & Initiation (Part Two)
Last week I explained “rite-of-passage” and the important processes an adolescent boy goes through to become an initiated man. Now let’s cover what being an initiated man means! Initiation to Manhood Adolescence ranges from 11-18 years of age. According to theorist, this stage of life is crucial; it gives individuals the challenge of establishing an…
Read MoreRite-of-Passage & Initiation (Part One of Two)
There is a much-needed focus today by both broadcast and print media on males and masculinity; you can virtually find a program or article on the subject at any given moment. What I don’t see or hear is something I know very well through years of research, data and facilitation. Boys need a rite-of-passage and initiation…
Read MoreParents How’s the “Exit Plan” Going?
Have you started your son’s exit plan? First, clearly this is not about “kicking your son out of the house” into a scary world without preparation. It is exactly the opposite-it is responsible parenting, preparing him to be a responsible, independent and healthy adult. Exit Plans Are Necessary I often hear from parents that their adult son is…
Read MoreParenting Boys? Managing Aggressive Behavior
It’s a good time to talk about “aggressiveness, assertiveness and aggressive behavior!” My recent blog on healthy masculinity was to caution getting caught up in the recent frenzy that masculinity was the “cause” for bad behavior. Masculinity and guns don’t go hand in hand; masculinity and irrational behavior don’t either! But what do you do when your son displays aggressiveness and/or…
Read MoreRaising Sons? The Need For Healthy Masculinity
Masculinity continues to be debated in the media as “bad” and “toxic” I’m motivated to bring some alarming facts to your attention. Perp’s in Sheep’s Clothing If you’re watching the news you are hearing weekly sometimes daily of arrests of female teachers, female coaches perpetrating adolescent boys. It’s becoming epidemic, CBS news reports there are more than…
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