Raising Sons: Giving Boys What They Need

  I was honored when Aisha Sultan, home and family editor of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch recently wrote an article about my journey, and how it led to my life’s work.  Raising Sons: In Case You Missed It The article is titled “Giving boys what they need when fathers are absent” and appropriately published on Fathers Day. …

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Raising Sons? Helping Solve the Mystery

Cracking the code!  Solving the mystery!  How would you like to know what your adolescent boy is missing as you witness him changing from a boy to a man?  He Needs a “Modern Day Rite of Passage” I’m often asked what is a “rite of passage?”  It’s a term that most people equate with times past.  We have forgotten the importance…

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“If-” An Inspiration

I’ve shared this poem by Rudyard Kipling, originally published in 1910 with you before.  It’s not only one of my favorites; it is worthy of sharing again as I believe “If-” says it all!                                          “If-“ If you…

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Parenting Tips: For Graduation & Beyond

Graduation is a major milestone for your son.  Celebrate his accomplishment! Congratulations-He Made It! This is a very exciting time!  I congratulate you if you are honoring a graduate in your home.  It’s a time to honor the achievement and begin to plan the next steps if you haven’t already done so.  If your son plans to attend college…

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Parenting Boys? 7 Key Questions I’m Frequently Asked

  Parenting Boys When I’m asked to do an interview, and discuss parenting boys and the “state of boyhood,” here are the questions that I feel must be addressed in order to see change!     “Our Boys Are in Trouble” They need our help, and The Quest Project®,  10-week boys to men program, along…

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Raising Sons? Signs He’s Becoming A Man

From a Boy To a Man How will you know when your adolescent son begins to transition into a man?  It won’t happen overnight, and there will be times when you wish it would! Signs of Change: Your Son’s Becoming a Man At approximately 11-13 yrs. of age “on average” a boy produces a greater amount of testosterone.  The production…

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Parenting Tip: Dad This One’s for You

I’ve devoted this blog to the fathers out there who are committed to being the best DAD they can be. Typically, when I refer to dad in my blogs, I emphasize and stress the importance of a “responsible, healthy and safe dad,” or in the absence of dad a “responsible, healthy and safe mentor” like grandpa, uncle or…

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Parenting Sons: 5 Things You Need To Know About Peer Pressure

  Peer Pressure and Healthy Male Mentor As your adolescent boy grows and matures it is increasingly important that he has a strong relationship with dad; if dad is healthy and safe.  If that is not the case, a healthy male mentor (grandpa, uncle, stepdad, coach).   You hear me say this often, I have dads tell me they’re doing…

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Raising Sons? Does He Struggle With Anxiety?

  As a Licensed Professional Counselor(LPC), I see a fair number of clients with anxiety.  Maybe they lost a job or their marriage is failing.  Recently I am seeing adolescent boys on a regular basis struggling with anxiety. What Is Anxiety? In general, anxiety is a term used for nervousness, fear, apprehension and worry.  Chronic anxiety can lead to, or…

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Raising Sons: Integrity, Instilling as a Core Value

With integrity, you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide. With integrity, you will do the right thing, so you will have no guilt.   Zig Ziglar   I came across this quote recently.  I couldn’t get the word “integrity” off of my mind, I ultimately came across this Forbes’ article.  It’s a…

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