Raising Sons? Character Building Blocks

  If you followed my series of “steps” to take when dealing with an adolescent son who is in trouble you learned step by step what to do.  What is sometimes missed is that The Quest Project® isn’t just for troubled or at-risk boys.   Helping Build Character With Every Boy The Quest Project is designed to help ALL ADOLESCENT BOYS! …

Read More

How to Manage Your Teen’s Rebellion, According to the Pros

Happy to be featured in a recent Thriveworks article! It’s no secret that the teenage years are often characterized by rebellion—there is, however, an ongoing argument about how parents should properly handle this phase. Should they step in or back off? Do they need to crack down on the rules or prove their trust? What’s the most…

Read More

Core Value-Honesty

You’ve heard the proverb by Benjamin Franklin, “honesty is the best policy” many times I’m sure.  This is a reminder, that means to be honest with your kids too! Better Off Not Knowing I think parents convince themselves (at times) that not being completely honest with their children is a way to protect them.  In some cases,…

Read More

Adolescent Son In Trouble? Final Step

Over the past 3 weeks I’ve laid out the steps to take if you suspect trouble with your adolescent son.  Unfortunately, when the first three steps (boundaries & limits, counseling and intensive outpatient) have failed it’s time to move to the final step.  The Final Step=Intensive Inpatient If you’ve reached this step with your adolescent son it’s…

Read More

Adolescent Son In Trouble? Step Three

Last week in Step #2 I gave some examples of when to seek counseling if you suspect your adolescent son is in trouble.  You have tried setting boundaries & limits with him from Step #1, and you’ve enlisted the help of a licensed professional counselor; it didn’t work either.  Now it’s time for Step #3. Step…

Read More

Adolescent Son In Trouble? Step Two

Last week in Step #1 we covered the importance of setting healthy boundaries & limits in conjunction with natural consequences.  Many times, parents can avoid trouble with their adolescent son by starting there. When that doesn’t work, move to Step #2: Step #2=Seek Counseling Many boys don’t know how to deal with the pain that comes…

Read More

Adolescent Son In Trouble? Step One

I’ve blogged about “signs your adolescent son could be in trouble.”  Over the next few weeks I’ll dig into the steps and stages of escalation with a goal of you, the parent, nipping it in the bud! Step #1=Boundaries & Limits This is the first step that must be implemented in your adolescent son’s life.  His…

Read More

Parenting Advice-On Divorce

Are you divorced or going through a divorce?  If children are involved be careful not to put them in the middle.  I’m certain you’ve heard that before! Based on my experience the kids wind up in the middle most every time.  It’s a sad place for them to be. PAS Parent alienation syndrome, or PAS is…

Read More

“Shame”-A Bad Five Letter Word

Your adolescent son shouldn’t feel shame.  Sadly he most likely does.  How does this happen and why would he feel shame? In a recent interview I was asked this question “why are boys in trouble?”  One of many reasons is they carry shame.  The interviewer  was shocked and went on to ask, “How can a young boy feel shame about something…

Read More

Parenting Boys? The 5 Signs of Trouble

Don’t ignore the warning signs, you may think your son is just going through a phase, but that’s not always the case.  Your son could be in trouble.  It may be typical angst; here’s the difference. Over the past 20 years I have helped countless troubled teens make the transition from boyhood to adult life with my program, The Quest Project. The Warning Signs Boys are…

Read More