The Quest Project-For Dad!

Dad, Welcome to The Quest Project® My recent inspiration for writing book #2 came from a very welcome change I am seeing in my practice, let me share more. Change Is Very Good Over the last 20 years, I have seen over 2000 boys go through The Quest Project®.  What’s changed?  In the past, the majority of…

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Parenting Tip: Kids Feelings and How to Manage

  Kids feelings: Mad, sad, glad, and afraid-I often refer to these as The Big Four!  Processing feelings is healthy, I recommend it highly.  Here’s why: Kids Feelings: Mad Happens Let’s start here, this is the feeling that scares everyone.  I’m always amazed at the number of people that think being mad and/or angry is always…

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Raising Sons: Giving Boys What They Need

  I was honored when Aisha Sultan, home and family editor of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch recently wrote an article about my journey, and how it led to my life’s work.  Raising Sons: In Case You Missed It The article is titled “Giving boys what they need when fathers are absent” and appropriately published on Fathers Day. …

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Raising Sons? Helping Solve the Mystery

Cracking the code!  Solving the mystery!  How would you like to know what your adolescent boy is missing as you witness him changing from a boy to a man?  He Needs a “Modern Day Rite of Passage” I’m often asked what is a “rite of passage?”  It’s a term that most people equate with times past.  We have forgotten the importance…

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A Special Message For Fathers

Are you a healthy, responsible example for your adolescent son? Message for Fathers: You Are a Gift What a special opportunity a dad has in the life of his son.  I am reminded of the important role dad plays in the healthy development of their sons every day.  Sure I have research and data that can prove it, but…

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Advancing The Work!

I am excited!  I am in the final phase of my Ph.D. work!  What I’ve Been Up To One very important component of my dissertation was to gather data to support my topic Difference of a Counselor Facilitated Adolescent Boys’ Group on Behavior.  I had the privilege of facilitating The Quest Project® to a great group of boys at Woodridge Middle School…

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Raising Sons? Signs He’s Becoming A Man

From a Boy To a Man How will you know when your adolescent son begins to transition into a man?  It won’t happen overnight, and there will be times when you wish it would! Signs of Change: Your Son’s Becoming a Man At approximately 11-13 yrs. of age “on average” a boy produces a greater amount of testosterone.  The production…

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Parenting Sons: 5 Things You Need To Know About Peer Pressure

  Peer Pressure and Healthy Male Mentor As your adolescent boy grows and matures it is increasingly important that he has a strong relationship with dad; if dad is healthy and safe.  If that is not the case, a healthy male mentor (grandpa, uncle, stepdad, coach).   You hear me say this often, I have dads tell me they’re doing…

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Raising Sons? Does He Struggle With Anxiety?

  As a Licensed Professional Counselor(LPC), I see a fair number of clients with anxiety.  Maybe they lost a job or their marriage is failing.  Recently I am seeing adolescent boys on a regular basis struggling with anxiety. What Is Anxiety? In general, anxiety is a term used for nervousness, fear, apprehension and worry.  Chronic anxiety can lead to, or…

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Parenting Tip: How to Resolve Conflict

Parenting & Conflict Conflict is a part of life.  I know people who thoroughly enjoy conflict and others who avoid it at all costs.  One of the cornerstones I cover with adolescent boys and their parents is “conflict resolution.”  By utilizing my process the family is able to communicate more effectively and peacefully. You-You-You One of…

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