Father: Teacher, Mentor & Example

The New York Times ran an op-ed piece by a psychologist/father titled “It’s Dangerous to Be a Boy.”  He tells a story about dealing with a situation his son was having as a young man.  In part it went like this… After years together laughing and riding their tricycles and then bikes up and down…

Read More

Parenting Boys: 4 Tips to Teach Empathy

As an avid researcher, when I detect a shift or change in adolescent behavior, I dig in with the goal of determining the cause.  Naturally as the facilitator of The Quest Project-A Modern Day Rite-of-Passage program for adolescent boys my observations are “real time and accurate!”

Read More

The Quest Project: A Parent’s Point of View

Typically, my posts are centered around processes and tips to help parents raising adolescent boys.  A very important component of The Quest Project are the five parent meetings that are scheduled throughout the 10-weeks their son is attending Quest. Parents Are Key to Success! I received this email from a Mom that likely echo’s what…

Read More

In Honor of Father’s Day

As Father’s Day approaches, I consider the best gift I can give Dads out there raising sons!  It happens that my recent interview on “KTRS Big 550” with John Carney and Julie Buck is just that; the best gift I can give you.

Read More

Parenting Tip: Want vs Need

Each week I contemplate the subject matter (the theme) that I feel is the most relevant and helpful to the parents reading my blogs.  This is a sensitive subject; it’s one that I see parents struggle with.  Parents of children at any/all ages.

Read More

Parenting Boys? Competition is Good

I am constantly reading, researching and contemplating the best methods for raising a happy, healthy and responsible adolescent boy.  There is always an article boasting “the latest/greatest way.” I am addressing here the subject of competition from the American Counseling Assoc. (ACA)!

Read More

Dr. Clay on “Big 550-KTRS”

I had a very poignant conversation with Jennifer Blome of  The Jennifer and Jay Show.  We talk about my life growing up with an abusive alcoholic father and how it destroyed our relationship.  It took courage, forgiveness and the ability to seek help to turn my life around.  We cover it all in this interview! 

Read More

The 3 Ways a Father May Be Absent When Present

A father doesn’t have to live apart from his son to be absent. In many families the father is physically present, living in the same house as his son, acting as the head of the household, but for whatever reason, his mind and his energy are somewhere else.

Read More

Have You Considered “What-If?”

Do you ask yourself “what if?”  Are you prepared, or have what I like to call a “Plan B?”  I personally go through the exercise of both.  I start by asking myself “what if,” and based on the answer I put together my “Plan B!” Learned My Lesson Early Growing up in a house with…

Read More