Parent(s)-Is Your Family “Shame Based?”

When I begin working with a family; usually regarding their son, during an initial assessment I can discern quickly if it’s a “shame based” family.  Shame based families are about controlling behavior to conform (i.e. shame more to get behavior we want). Whether intentional or unintentional it’s fundamental that we clean that up first. Here’s why….

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Parenting Alert! New Normal=New Concerns

The “new normal” and its effect on kids is beginning to show very serious concern.  Red flags are popping up all over the United States; stories of teen suicide and depression are heartbreaking.  As a parent, in addition to the many other obligations you have, it’s time to pay close attention to signs of depression,…

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Teach Your Son Accountability

Teaching your son accountability is as important as teaching honesty, empathy and integrity. Often accountability gets overlooked as a core value; when in fact it’s one of the most important!

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The Quest Project-Testimonial

There is no better compliment or greater satisfaction than receiving a testimonial from one of my past clients.  Periodically I will hear from a parent, in this case, it comes from a young man who is in his second year of a PhD program at Harvard!

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Mentored-Mentor-Mentoring

In honor of National Mentor Day on October 27, 2020 I would like to share my experience as a mentor to young men, ages 11-16 who work every Saturday during the summer months in a garden. About the “Patch” The name of the garden is “Charity Patch.”  Seven years ago, my wife and I set…

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5 Parenting Tips: Raising Young Men 14-16

Are you raising a young man 14 to 16-years-old and you are concerned because he’s pulling away from you (mom and/or dad)? He suddenly thinks he knows everything, and you know nothing!  Here are some helpful tips:

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5 Parenting Tips: For Boys 11-13

Looking for parenting tips on what’s happening with your 11-13 year old son? I’ve worked with over 2,000 boys for more than 20 years in The Quest Project® a 10-week Modern Day Rite of Passage® program.   We meet in age appropriate groups: 11 to 13, 14 to 16, and 17 to 19-year-olds. Here I focus…

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Parenting Tip: Discipline vs Punishment

What’s the difference in discipline and punishment you ask?  There’s a big difference, in fact a huge difference between them. Let me explain. Punishment Your son has broken the rules; he’s been caught drinking or smoking, maybe a bad report card.  You must do “something,” he needs to be punished. The way to stop a child from misbehaving…

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Parenting Tip: Peer Pressure and Your Son

It’s time for a new school year to begin.  As you monitor grades, homework and schedules, don’t forget to watch for social changes that may be related to peer pressure. Peer pressure is by definition: Social pressure by members of one’s peer group to take a certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise conform in…

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