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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
These days many single parent Moms are doing the best they can raising their adolescent son(s). They don’t need me telling them how hard it is, but they do need help understanding what a boy goes through as he transitions to a man. This is especially true when dad is physically or emotionally absent.
In the midst of a crisis, your first response may be to seek counseling; due to the unusual circumstances we’re social distancing and staying at home. I’ve talked to parents grateful for the time with their kids and parents that are ready to pull their hair out! Not every family who experiences crisis needs counseling. […]
“If” you have been subscribed to my newsletter since 2015, you’ve read this before! If not, you’re in for a treat. It’s time for me to share again as it remains one of my favorite poems. Originally published in 1910 by Rudyard Kipling, it’s still very relevant today. Enjoy!