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  • Andrew Reiner: What Boys Need

    Andrew Reiner: What Boys Need
    2024/10/24

    Boys need support, not disdain

    In June 2024, Andrew Reiner, author of Better Boys, Better Men: The New Masculinity That Creates Greater Courage and Emotional Resiliency, published an article entitled “Our culture’s trashing of boys & men is having toxic consequences.”

    In this episode, he and Jen discuss what boys need & we can best support boys.


    Takeaways:
    • Boys need support, not disdain.
    • Cultural perceptions of masculinity can be harmful.
    • Media often portrays boys negatively.
    • Boys are falling behind in education.
    • It’s important to understand boys’ emotional needs.
    • Parents and educators play a crucial role.
    • Challenging traditional masculinity is necessary.
    • Creating safe spaces for boys is essential.
    • Engaging boys in education requires new approaches.
    • Researching boys’ experiences is vital for change.

    Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:

    andrewreinerauthor.com –– Andrew’s website

    Andrew Reiner: Building Boys’ Mental Health & Resiliency — ON BOYS episode

    Better Boys, Better Men: The New Masculinity that Creates Greater Courage and Emotional Resiliency, by Andrew Reiner

    The Trouble with Boys Isn’t Boys — article by Andrew

    Young, Male, & Adrift — article by Andrew

    Boys are Great shop — boy-affirming merch!


    Sponsor Spotlight: Hello Fresh

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    Sponsor Spotlight: IXL

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    Sponsor Spotlight: Avoila

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    Our Sponsors:
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    45 分
  • What Parents (& Boys) Need to Know About AI

    What Parents (& Boys) Need to Know About AI
    2024/10/17

    AI — artificial intelligence — is already a big part of our everyday lives.

    We rely on it to help us get from one place to another. (GPS directions, anyone?) We use it to polish our prose. (Spell check and Grammarly, for instance.) Customer service chatbots and product recommendations based on previous purchases — all of these are built on AI.

    The public release of ChatGPT, a AI system that using natural language processing, has accelerated the use of AI in modern life. Students routinely use it for school work — to dismay of some teachers. As AI becomes more integrated into the tools and technologies we use every day, understanding how it works—and how to use it responsibly—is becoming essential for both adults and children.

    (AI, in fact, helped me rewrite that last sentence. Initially, it said, “Understanding AI & how to use it ethically is quickly becoming a necessary skill.)

    In this episode, we talk with Angela Radcliffe, a mom of two, clinical research expert, and AI enthusiast who created Quantum Kids, Guardians of AI: Story Quest and Activity Book to help kids (and their parents) understand ethical uses of AI.

    Takeaways:
    • AI is rapidly evolving and impacting how children learn.
    • Writing with AI can enhance creativity but requires careful guidance.
    • Ethics in AI usage is crucial for responsible parenting.
    • AI should be treated as a peer to foster collaboration.
    • Teaching kindness and responsibility is essential in the age of AI.
    • New ways of thinking may emerge from AI’s influence on education.
    • Parents should actively engage with AI to understand its capabilities.
    • Practical, fun uses of AI can help demystify the technology for families.
    • Transparency and trust are vital in navigating AI’s impact.
    • AI can be a valuable tool for enhancing everyday tasks and creativity.

    Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:

    Quantum Kids, Guardians of AI: Story Quest and Activity Book, created by Angela Radcliffe

    What Teachers Told Me About AI in School

    Teens Using AI to Create Deepfakes of Classmates Prompts New Bill


    Sponsor Spotlight: Avoila

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    Sponsor Spotlight: Artifact Uprising

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    Sponsor Spotlight: IXL

    The world’s most popular subscription-based learning site for K–12! Get 20% off at ixl.com/TODAY



    Our Sponsors:
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    45 分
  • Uplifting Black Boys Benefits All Students

    Uplifting Black Boys Benefits All Students
    2024/10/10

    Young Black men and boys remain the most vulnerable student population in U.S. schools.

    That’s why David Kirkland, founder & CEO of forwardED, is asking educators to “put a deliberate focus on Black boys” this year – to uplift Black boys, of course, but also because research shows that addressing the needs of our most vulnerable populations helps ALL.

    “It’s not that Black males fail. It’s that we fail Black males,” David says. “it’s important for us to reframe that focus so we can understand what we can do better.”

    Takeaways:
    • Black boys are the most vulnerable student population in U.S. schools, facing persistent disparities in academic achievement and discipline.
    • The education system is failing Black boys, and the framing of the issue needs to shift from blaming Black males to recognizing that the system fails them.
    • A comprehensive approach is needed, including funding, culturally responsive education, policy changes, and a shift in mindset and practices.
    • Addressing the needs of Black boys will benefit all students and lead to better outcomes in the education system.

    Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:

    www.forward-ed.com/

    Reclaiming Possibliity: An Intentional Focus on Black Boys This School Year — article by David

    Can We Talk? A Critical Examination of Cellphone Bans in Schools — article by David

    Black Boys Matter — ON BOYS episode

    Supporting Black Boys Mental Health (w Chandra White-Cummings) — ON BOYS episode

    Boys in School Task Force — ON BOYS episode


    Sponsor Spotlight: Avoila

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    Sponsor Spotlight: Artifact Uprising

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    Sponsor Spotlight: IXL

    The world’s most popular subscription-based learning site for K–12! Get 20% off at ixl.com/TODAY



    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Armoire: armoire.style/ONBOYS
    * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.ixl.com


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    40 分
  • Stop, Drop, Grow, and Glow with Holly Swenson

    Stop, Drop, Grow, and Glow with Holly Swenson
    2024/10/03

    Stop, drop, grow, and glow?

    That’s Holly Swenson’s advice to parents. Swenson, a RN-turned-writer and mom of 4 boys (currently ages 10, 13, 15, & 15) was approximately seven years into parenting when she realized that “when you are taking care of yourself, you’re better able to take care of everyone in her life.”

    She & Jen talk about her book, Stop, Drop, Grow, & Glow: Forming Deeper & More Joyful Connections with Yourself & Your Children.

    Takeaways:
    • Self-awareness and self-care are essential for effective parenting.
    • Balancing the needs and interests of multiple children requires intentionality and mindfulness.
    • Reacting to situations can be counterproductive, while responding thoughtfully fosters deeper connections.
    • Parenting is a journey of personal growth and self-improvement.
    • The Stop, Drop, Grow, and Glow method encourages reflection, letting go of past experiences, cultivating growth and self-awareness, and embracing joy and gratitude. Self-care is essential for parents to show up as their best selves for their children.
    • Children can be a catalyst for personal growth and healing for parents.
    • Finding time for self-care may require creativity and microdosing self-care throughout the day.
    • Water, such as taking a shower or bath, can be grounding and energizing for parents.
    • Maintaining a sense of humor and lightness can help navigate the challenges of parenting.
    • Prioritizing self-care and personal growth is an ongoing process that requires intention and discipline.

    Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:

    Stop, Drop, Grow, & Glow: Forming Deeper & More Joyful Connections with Yourself & Your Children, by Holly Swenson

    liveyourglow.live — Holly’s website

    Mom is in Control with Heather Chauvin — ON BOYS episode


    Sponsor Spotlight: Avoila

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    Sponsor Spotlight: Artifact Uprising

    1st time buyers get 20% off (& returning customers get 15% off) with code ONBOYS


    Sponsor Spotlight: IXL

    The world’s most popular subscription-based learning site for K–12! Get 20% off at ixl.com/TODAY



    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Armoire: armoire.style/ONBOYS
    * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.ixl.com


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    45 分
  • Helping Boys Thrive at Any Size

    Helping Boys Thrive at Any Size
    2024/09/26
    Kids can thrive at any size, says Jill Castle, a pediatric dietician, parent, and author of Kids Thrive at Any Size: How to Nourish Your Big, Small, or In-Between Child for a Lifetime of Health & Happiness.Takeaways:Feeding kids in a healthy way can be challenging, but it’s important to raise children of all sizes to be physically healthy and emotionally well.Family culture plays a significant role in shaping children’s attitudes towards food and body size.Body neutrality focuses on the functionality of the body rather than its appearance, promoting acceptance and self-love.Growth charts are a tool for tracking a child’s growth over time, but they should not be used to define a child’s health or worthiness.Parents can advocate for their children by addressing biases and stigma related to body size, both within the extended family and in healthcare settings.Creating a positive meal environment and supporting children’s individual appetites can help build healthy eating habits.Parents should prioritize sleep, as it plays a crucial role in children’s growth and appetite regulation.Health should be measured by factors beyond weight, such as blood pressure, respiratory rate, and cardiovascular fitness.Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:jillcastle.com — Jill’s websiteKids Thrive at Any Size: How to Nourish Your Big, Small, or In-Between Child for a Lifetime of Health & Happiness — Jill’s latest bookThe Nourished Child — Jill’s podcastPicky Eaters, Family Meals, & Nutrition — ON BOYS episodeSponsor Spotlight: LumenUnderstand your metabolism! Go to lumen.me/ONBOYS to save 15% on LumenSponsor Spotlight: ArmoireClothing rental subscription that makes getting dressed easier. Visit armoire.style/ONBOYS to get up to 50% OFF your first month.Sponsor Spotlight: AvoilaUse code ONBOYS to save 10% when you shop Avoila Nourishing Face Oil Sponsor Spotlight: Artifact Uprising1st time buyers get 20% off (& returning customers get 15% off) with code ONBOYSSponsor Spotlight: IXLThe world’s most popular subscription-based learning site for K–12! Get 20% off at ixl.com/TODAYOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: armoire.style/ONBOYS* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.ixl.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    47 分
  • Overcoming Fears and Worries to Say YES

    Overcoming Fears and Worries to Say YES
    2024/09/19

    How can parents overcome their fears and worries so they can say YES to their boys’ interests and passions?

    That’s the question we discuss with Heather Sponholz, a “boy mom” who’s said yes to her teenage sons’ solo National Parks trips, MMA fighting, and ambitious Christmas lights project.

    Takeaways:
    • Navigating the balance between freedom and safety for teenagers can be challenging for parents.
    • Allowing teenagers to take solo trips can help them develop independence and learn important life skills.
    • Trusting in your child’s ability to navigate challenges and make responsible decisions is essential.
    • Supporting teenagers in pursuing their passions and interests can have a positive impact on their personal growth. Supporting and nurturing boys’ passions and interests is important for their personal growth and development.
    • Parents should overcome their fears and worries and allow their children to pursue activities that they are passionate about.
    • Community support and mentorship can play a crucial role in helping boys pursue their interests.
    • Parents should prioritize their children’s passions and provide them with the necessary resources and opportunities to explore and excel in their chosen fields.
    • Allowing boys to face challenges and learn from their experiences helps them develop problem-solving skills and resilience.

    Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:

    Encouraging Independence — ON BOYS episode

    Autonomy-Supportive Parenting — ON BOYS episode

    Step In or Step Back? — ON BOYS episode

    Age 16 & Learning to Let Go — BuildingBoys post


    Sponsor Spotlight: Lumen

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    Sponsor Spotlight: Armoire

    Clothing rental subscription that makes getting dressed easier. Visit armoire.style/ONBOYS to get up to 50% OFF your first month.


    Sponsor Spotlight: Artifact Uprising

    1st time buyers get 20% off (& returning customers get 15% off) with code ONBOYS


    Sponsor Spotlight: IXL

    The world’s most popular subscription-based learning site for K–12! Get 20% off at ixl.com/TODAY


    Sponsor Spotlight: Avoila



    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Armoire: armoire.style/ONBOYS
    * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.ixl.com


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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    49 分
  • “Be A Man” Project Helps Us Understand Teen Boys

    “Be A Man” Project Helps Us Understand Teen Boys
    2024/09/12
    SheKnows’ “Be a Man” project is an “exploration of what it means to be a man today,” says Erika Janes, a “boy mom” and SheKnows editor-in-chief.Importantly, the project includes teen boys and gives them an opportunity to share their thoughts about manhood and masculinity. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the boys’ responses reflect our still-evolving understanding of gender. Crying, for instance, is still seen as a term with strongly feminine connotations, “but almost every boy we talked to said that they did cry,” Janes says. “They still feel like there’s a stigma to boys and men crying, but for the most part, almost of all of them said, ‘I cry at times.'”Boys, she says, “still get so many messages about traditional masculinity — ‘don’t cry, be strong, be a man.’ But they need to be allowed to express healthy emotion, to express vulnerability, to be able to cry and express sadness. We need to understand and accept that teen boys have all the same emotions as teen girls and that it’s healthier if they have outlets to express them.”Takeaways:The Be A Man project on She Knows provides a comprehensive look into the lives of teen boys, covering topics such as masculinity, mental health, and social media.It is important to include and listen to teen boys in conversations about their experiences and perspectives.Parents of boys may face challenges in understanding and raising boys, but it is important to provide support and guidance.The project aims to provide advice and resources for parents navigating these topics with their teen boys.Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:We Asked 4 Teen Boys to Test New Fall Fragrances – Here’s What They Said – SheKnows articleThe Response to Tim Walz’s Son’s Proud Tears at the DNC is a Telling Look at Masculinity & Emotion — SheKnows articleHow Teen Boys View Male Celebrities & Masculinity, from Ryan Reynolds to Timothee Chalamet — SheKNow articleGender Equality, Boys, & Men — ON BOYS episode featuring Richard V. ReevesBoyMom Ruth Whippman on Reimaging Boyhood — ON BOYS episodeDr. Niobe Way on Reimagining Boys — ON BOYS episodeSponsor Spotlight: LumenUnderstand your metabolism! Go to lumen.me/ONBOYS to save 15% on LumenSponsor Spotlight: ArmoireClothing rental subscription that makes getting dressed easier. Visit armoire.style/ONBOYS to get up to 50% OFF your first month.Sponsor Spotlight: AvoilaSponsor Spotlight: Artifact Uprising1st time buyers get 20% off (& returning customers get 15% off) with code ONBOYSSponsor Spotlight: IXLThe world’s most popular subscription-based learning site for K–12! Get 20% off at ixl.com/TODAYOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: armoire.style/ONBOYS* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.ixl.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    43 分
  • What’s the Goal of Youth Sports?

    What’s the Goal of Youth Sports?
    2024/09/05
    What is the goal of youth sports? It seems like an obvious question with an obvious answer. Isn’t the goal to provide kids with an opportunity to play sports? And to develop skills, teamwork, and camaraderie along the way?Historically, those were indeed the goals of youth sport. Many parents & kids still pursue those goals. But some parents & players have other goals: A scholarship. College admission. The youth sports industry also has a goal: To make money.Pay-to-PlayMany of today’s youth sports team use a pay-to-play model: parents pay (often exorbitant amounts) for their kids to play. Some youth sports organizations frame this cost as an “investment” and mention ROI — return on investment — on their websites. The required investment isn’t only financial; parents & families now invest a lot of time into sports practices, games, & tournaments.“What used to be very much a youth-driven activity has changed into more of an adult-driven model,” says Jean Linscott, co-author of What is the Goal?: The Truth About the Youth Sports Industry. And because the adults have invested so much, they have an incentive to keep kids playing. This, Jean says, “is an enormous difference from playing for fun and playing for the love of the game.”The first thing young parents should understand, if they’re considering signing a child up for a pay-to-play team, is that “this is a lifestyle choice,” says Kenneth Ruoff, Jean’s husband & co-author. “They should be putting aside 40 weekends a year for the next 10 years if you stick with pay-to-play sports through the high school years.”Sadly, there’s no strong evidence to suggest that this investment of time & money is beneficial to most families or athletes. “We talked to a lot of the top coaches in Oregon and they basically burst out laughing when we asked them if travel tournaments had any role in player development,” Ken says. “They said, ‘No, it’s ridiculous; they have no role, especially at the younger ages.’ So all that money that is being spent on travel tournaments is playing no role in developing the kids as athletes.”The Unacknowledged Costs of Youth SportsBecause of the tremendous costs associated with many youth sports teams, many kids do not have an opportunity to play or participate. And many children who do play experience physical and mental injuries, in part because they begin playing so young and often play year-’round.“The impact of this model means that there are big problems with overuse injuries and burnout,” Jean says.”Early specialization in sports is disastrous for the bodies and minds of children,” Ken adds.Unfortunately, in many places, there aren’t viable alternatives to the current pay-to-play youth sports model. Rec teams have faded or disappeared due to lack of funding and coaches. School teams may or may not be an option – but in many places, if a young athlete doesn’t also play on a travel team, they have little chance of earning a spot on a school team.Questions to Ask Before Signing for a Travel TeamBefore signing your child up for a pay-to-play, elite, or travel team, Jean says you should ask these “important, tough” questions:Do you track injury rates? What types of injuries are most common?Do you conduct exit interviews when families leave the club? What are the primary reasons athletes & families leave?What is your youth athlete development model?Be forewarned, however. Asking these questions does not guarantee that you’re doing to get a straight answer. It’s also a good idea to talk to a number of families who have been involved with the club or team, including those who no longer participate.Takeaways:The likelihood of receiving a college scholarship through youth sports is extremely low, and parents should consider alternative ways to fund their child’s education.Extricating oneself from the youth sports system can be challenging, but it is important to prioritize the well-being and interests of the child.Questioning the youth sports industry and advocating for affordable and inclusive options is crucial for the overall development of children.The emphasis on elite athletes and the pressure to participate in pay-to-play clubs can exclude many children and create unrealistic expectations.Sportswear companies play a role in the youth sports industry, but their focus on profit and exclusivity can hinder accessibility and development.Preferential admission for athletes in higher education perpetuates the socioeconomic elite and needs to be reevaluated.Parents have the power to ask questions, challenge the status quo, and advocate for changes that prioritize the well-being and enjoyment of youth sports.Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:What is the Goal?: The Truth About the Youth Sports Industry, by Jean Linscott & Kenneth RuoffWhole Child Sports: An Alternative to Toxic Youth Sports Culture — ON BOYS episodeLinda Flanagan: Youth Sports ...
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    55 分