5 Parenting Tips: Raising Young Men 14-16

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:

Read More

5 Parenting Tips: For Boys 11-13

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…

Read More

Proud Patriot!

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…

Read More

Life is What YOU Make It!

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…

Read More

Parenting Tip: Peer Pressure and Your Son

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…

Read More

Time to Return to School!

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.

Read More

9 Reasons for Modern-Day Rite of Passage

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…

Read More

The Special Bond of Father and Son

Father and son share an incredibly special bond, it happens naturally!  Be careful not to miss the especially important role you play in your son’s life. Father and Son Over the years working with adolescent boys in The Quest Project® I am constantly reminded of the important role dad plays in the healthy development of…

Read More

Raising Sons? Teach Integrity

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 Truer words were never spoken! Core Values So what does this have to do with raising sons?  Integrity is a core value; it must be taught…

Read More

Feelings: Mad, Sad, Glad and Afraid

These are the “BIG FOUR” feelings!  Regardless of age or gender, these basic four emotions – mad, sad, glad, and afraid – are appropriate for you.  Feeling, expressing and processing your feelings is healthy and highly recommended! Here’s why. Feeling Mad Feeling “mad” or angry about something?  Oh no!  This feeling scares everyone.  I’m amazed…

Read More