9 Reasons ALL Boys Need A Modern-Day Rite-of-Passage

Rite-of-passage for males is a transition, and in its simplest terms means “changing from a boy to a man.”  Sounds easy right?  It’s not! It’s unfortunate that 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…

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Parenting Tip: 5 Signs of Peer Pressure

I find one of the issues I deal with on a regular basis in my practice is this one:  Peer Pressure! Peer Pressure-Not to Be Underestimated Peer pressure is something all kids are forced to deal with at some point.  Commonly it happens at school and/or the neighborhood kids that get together to play.  It’s how…

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A Society of Absent Fathers

We’re all entitled to an opinion, right?  Do you remember Andy Rooney, he used to give his straight forward and sometimes controversial opinion at the end of 60 Minutes?  I’d like to share mine and it has to do with this, the effect the absent father is having on society. R-E-S-P-E-C-T I’ve not been shy about…

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Raising Sons-Is He Bully or Bullied?

When a parent makes the decision it’s time to get a professional opinion; when their son exhibits signs of trouble, it’s critical they be open to the feedback of the professional and keep an open mind! Let me give an example.

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A Story of Volunteerism

  Would you be surprised if I told you a story about seven young men, ages 11-16 working every Saturday in a garden?  Charity Patch is Born Five years ago, my wife and I set out to “find” an initiative we could get behind that would allow us to give back to the community.  Long…

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To: Dad

To all the fathers out there who are committed to be the best DAD they can be. When I refer to fathers in my blogs, I also emphasize and stress the importance of being a “responsible, healthy and safe role model.” More and more fathers are asking me “how do I be a good dad?”  My answer is…

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Core Value-Accountability

Along with honesty, empathy and integrity, I regard accountability a very important core value. The “Yes…but” Game Do you play the “yes…but” game at your house?  Too many times parents are quick to “move on” if their child has done something wrong.  “Yes, I wrecked the car mom…but it wasn’t my fault!” There’s no accountability!…

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Fantasy Son

  Every parent has hopes and dreams for their child; a fantasy!  You looked at your newborn boy and saw endless possibilities. He’ll be a doctor, star athlete, CEO of a corporation or President of the United States! The problem with this kind of thinking is that there is usually—in fact, always—a difference between this fantasy son you’ve created…

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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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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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