A 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…

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Core 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…

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Rite-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…

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Rite-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…

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Dr. Clay on KTVI-Fox 2

In a recent interview on Fox 2 morning news I was asked about “Millennials and Perfectionism.”  Here’s a link if you missed it. Local therapist talks about how perfectionism affects Millennials A new study in the Psychological Bulletin says young people are more likely than any other generation to feel the pressure to be perfect. As a therapist who…

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Parents 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…

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Parenting 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…

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Raising 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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Masculinity Is Not The Enemy

We’re hearing a lot these days about masculinity and boys.  Most of what’s being said I disagree with! Masculinity Masculinity is being attacked as a problem, a bad thing, that it’s toxic.  As a facilitator, researcher and male I find this disturbing!  Masculinity isn’t why a boy would walk into a school and begin shooting.  Masculinity…

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FL School Shooter-Was Perfect Storm

It was a tragic sight on the T.V. screen.  Another school shooting; this time 17 innocent lives taken.  When will it stop?  Not until change happens! The Tom Roten Morning Show The link below will take you to my recent interview with Tom.  Why this was a “perfect storm.”  Dr. Clay – FL School Shooter…

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