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5) Raising Boys
This Monday’s episode is one of which I am so proud. Janet Allison has been a teacher, coach, speaker and mentor for over 20 years. She believes that as parents and teachers, we can’t approach our challenges with understanding boys in the same old way. We are at a critical crossroads. Boys need us to show up differently. She’s here to show up with us. We discuss what we can do inside the home to help boys thrive and feel more confident, how to raise boys to be active participants in their own household some day, and why we need to recognize as moms that boys do not communicate and process in the same way we do as females. If you have boys in your life whom you want to impact in the most positive way possible, then this is definitely an episode you want to download and also share with others in your life who have an impact on today’s young men. Available Monday morning wherever you get your podcasts!
4) Other Resources For Parents of Boys
Janet has recently opened the doors to her Boys Alive Clubhouse (members.boysalive.com) and is giving you the opportunity to try one month of this online retreat for moms of boys FOR FREE, as a place to come together in conversation, connection, and collaboration. She also recommends the following books:
The Good News About Bad Behavior by Katherine Reynolds Lewis
Boys & Sex by Peggy Orenstein
Raising Boys by Steve Biddulph
3) Martin Luther King Day Ideas
Of course kids love an extra day off for Martin Luther King Day, but it’s also an awesome idea to utilize this day for some reminders about all the amazing sacrifices he made and the beliefs for which he stood as a human and as a leader. I’ve included some of my favorite go-to resources I’ve used in the past to spread the messages of kindness, tolerance and acceptance to my kids. Even just fifteen minutes or half an hour out of the day on Monday is an awesome way to pass down a bit more awareness. Check out:
2) Favorite Memes From The Week….
Via the fabulous:
1) Date Night Questions: (From this upcoming Monday’s podcast episode, Raising Boys).
Clear boundaries are very important when it comes to boys. They might push against rules, but they still definitely want them in place. Do you feel like you have set clear boundaries in your house in terms of things like screen time, chores, and curfew? In what ways are you succeeding at this? In what ways could you work together to improve?
Boys need a lot of great male role models in their lives. Can you think of three (other than his dad) to whom your son can look to as a good example or go to for help? If not, what are some steps you can take to bring those people into his life?
Studies show that boys tend to do better when they have “let off steam” before sitting down to study or complete a task. Does you son have enough time during the day to participate in physical activities? If not, how could you tweak his schedule to ensure he’s getting this time?
Think about your son’s classroom setting(s). Do you think the teacher is doing a good job understanding and enacting strategies and concepts to help your son learn in a way that is fair and nurturing for him? If not, are there small ways you could advocate for him (asking for his seating to be changed, allowing him to have a “stress toy” or something to help his thought process, asking that his punishment not be taking away recess, etc).
For more prompts and questions for open and honest communication, plus bonding challenges and strategies for discussion, get our Date Night Questions Experience ebook.