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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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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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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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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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…

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Homework Versus Video Games

Do you get excuses from your son on why his homework and/or his chores didn’t get done?  I have some suggestions that may help. “Just a Minute!” My guess is you hear “I will, just a minute” a lot!  Based on my experience with the boys I see, homework and chores are not his priority, video games…

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Is Your Son Being Bullied? 10 Signs To Watch For

  Bullied: Online & Offline Today we not only deal with the “bully on the playground,” we must watch out for the ones that lurk on social media!  Bullies can have a devastating effect on your child. What Parent’s Can Do As a parent, the best way to make sure your child doesn’t become a victim of bullying…

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Is My Son Smoking Pot or Drinking? What to Do Next

  Are you afraid your son is smoking pot, drinking or worse? My Son Would Never Do That  I hope you’re not deceiving yourself; drugs and alcohol are readily available EVERYWHERE!  He can escape his feelings by “numbing out” and find refuge by drinking or smoking pot.  And worse let’s not forget the huge opioid epidemic that’s sweeping the…

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Raising Sons: Could He Have PTSD?

  Raising Sons & PTSD Did you know that PTSD is not exclusive to our military servicemen?  We hear about “post- traumatic stress disorder” (PTSD) most often as a result of some of the horrific sights our young men witnessed while serving in the military. What Is PTSD Many times, a parent misses the signs…

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