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  • Best of 2024

    Best of 2024
    2024/12/26
    Which ON BOYS episodes were the Best of 2024? Photo by ALINA MATVEYCHEVA via PexelsYour favorites include:5. Needed: Boy-Friendly SchoolsTyler, a 16-year-old Texas boy, started struggling in middle school. Recess was no more. Classes were 90 minutes long. So, “he found it really hard to sit still in class,” says Julie Jargon, the Wall Street Journal Family & Tech columnist who interviewed Tyler for her series on boys and education. Now a high school student, Tyler suggests that “instead of making guys change the way they behave, maybe schools should change the way they’re structured.”4. Middle School: Misunderstood or Magic?“This is a very pervasive story, that middle school is terrible. But it doesn’t have to be. We make it terrible by working directly against the developmental needs of middle schoolers and designing these buildings and classes in way that make their lives really hard,” says veteran educator Chris Balme, author of Finding the Magic in Middle School: Tapping into the Power and Potential of the Middle School Years.3. Modern Male Puberty is AwkwardYour son may well be annoying, thoughtless, disrespectful, disorganized, smelly, and messy during puberty. None of that means he’ll end up that way as an adult. And none of it means that you’re doing (or have done) something wrong.“The path to building kind, empathic, loving, thoughtful men is a very windy, bumpy road,” Vanessa says. “And at every step of the way, it can be really tempting to lose faith.”2. How to Raise a Healthy Gamer“Right now, there is an antagonistic relationship between most parents & their kids around video gaming,” Dr. K says. “You think they need to cut back; they don’t think they have a problem. Then, as parents start to institute limits, children will try to undermine them. Even if you ‘win’ in this scenario, you lose.”It’s more helpful, he says, to establish a collaborative relationship.1. Set Boys Up for School Success“It’s really essential that we, as parents & educators of boys, are preparing them to navigate the struggles within school,” says Dr. Todd (Jason) Feltman, author of Transforming into a Powerful Third, Fourth, or 5th Grade Navigator of School Success. “It’s not just the academic struggles but also the socialization, the physical and emotional struggles.”A few of our other 2024 favorites:Color Blindness in BoysCircumcision: Facts & MythsFBI: Sextortion Targets BoysNavigating Youth Mental Health in the Digital AgeEmily Edlynn on A Healthier Approach to TechDr. Niobe Way on Reimaging BoysUplifting Black Boys Benefits All Students Sponsor Spotlight: IXLThe world’s most popular subscription-based learning site for K–12! Get 20% off at ixl.com/TODAY Sponsor Spotlight: Hello FreshGet 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/FreeONBOYS Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    40 分
  • 2024 Listener Fav

    2024 Listener Fav
    2024/12/19

    Gaming is a BIG part of boys’ lives today!

    So, it’s no surprise that our March 14 conversation with Dr. K, How to Raise a Healthy Gamer, is our Listener Fav of 2024.

    Dr. K (full name: Alok Kanojia) is a psychiatrist, dad, and life-long gamer. He knows video games and know what works. He also has deep compassion for gamers & their families. If you haven’t yet read his book, How to Raise a Healthy Gamer: End Power Struggles, Break Bad Screen Habits, and Transform Your Relationship with Your Kids, we highly recommend it!

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

    How to Raise a Healthy Gamer: End Power Struggles, Break Bad Screen Habits, and Transform Your Relationship with Your Kids, by Alok Kanojia (aka Dr. K)

    www.healthygamer.gg — Dr. K’s website

    Why are Video Games So Important to Boys? — ON BOYS episode

    The Evolution of Esports — ON BOYS episode

    Video Game Addiction — ON BOYS episode

    Emily Edlynn on a Healthier Approach to Tech — ON BOYS episode

    The Link Between Freedom & Video Games — BuildingBoys blog post

    Why Boys Play Video Games – BuildingBoys blog post


    Sponsor Spotlight: IXL

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

    Sponsor Spotlight: Hello Fresh

    Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/FreeONBOYS

    Sponsor Spotlight: Boys Are Great

    Boy-affirming merch!




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    53 分
  • Listen to Boys & Young Men

    Listen to Boys & Young Men
    2024/12/12

    How often do we really listen to boys & young men?

    Not nearly often enough! There’s been a lot of chatter lately about boys & young men, masculinity, and the growing gender gap in politics – and very little public input from boys & young men themselves. In this episode, Jen & Janet talk with Lance Walker, a 26 yr old man from Utah. Like so many males his age, Lance has learned that boys’ and men’s perspectives aren’t always welcome. As he says, “We are never given license to speak.”

    We encourage you to listen as he describes his experiences in school (including being started on ADHD medication in 3rd grade) and in the world.

    Takeaways:
    • Boys’ perspectives on masculinity are often overlooked.
    • There is a stigma associated with boys expressing their feelings.
    • Open dialogue about gender dynamics is essential.
    • Boys need to be included in conversations about their experiences.
    • Understanding the role of community in boys’ development is important.
    • Boys often feel shame in expressing their struggles.
    • The future of gender discussions requires sensitivity and awareness. The emotional journey of becoming a man is complex and often fraught with societal expectations.
    • Shame and responsibility are significant themes in discussions about masculinity.
    • Perceptions of men as threats can lead to feelings of fear and vulnerability.
    • Boys are often seen as needing to fit into a rigid educational model that may not suit them.
    • Cultural perspectives on masculinity can shape how boys view themselves and their roles in society.
    • Dialogue and understanding are crucial in addressing the challenges faced by boys and young men.
    • The importance of recognizing boys as human beings with their own experiences and emotions.
    • Educational systems may need to adapt to better engage boys in learning.
    • There is a need for more voices from young men in discussions about masculinity and societal expectations.
    • The conversation around masculinity must include diverse perspectives to foster understanding and growth.

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

    Lance’s Substack

    ADHD with Ryan Wexelblatt the ADHD Dude — ON BOYS episode

    Talking to Tween & Teen Boys — ON BOYS episode

    Sports & Masculinity — ON BOYS episode


    Sponsor Spotlight: IXL

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

    Sponsor Spotlight: Hello Fresh

    Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/FreeONBOYS

    Sponsor Spotlight: Boys Are Great

    Boy-affirming merch!




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

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    54 分
  • Male Suicide & Mental Health: A Father’s Story of Love & Loss

    Male Suicide & Mental Health: A Father’s Story of Love & Loss
    2024/12/05
    We gotta talk about male suicide and mental health.If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, you can call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for help in the United States. Call 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255). The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is open 24 hours a day, every day. Services are also available en espanol.More than 39,000 boys and young men die of suicide in the United States each year. The male suicide rate is 4 times that of females’ – and that fact isn’t widely known. Although there’s been a lot of discussion of the youth mental health crisis and suicidal ideation in recent years, few people are talking about the fact that most of those who die of suicide are boys and young men.Anthony Tricarico was one of them. He was a “beautiful shooting star,” a young entrepreneur who loved snowboarding and bought a Camaro at age 16. Anthony died by suicide earlier this year, at age 16 1/2. From the outside looking in, Anthony had it all: a loving family, lots of friends, great grades, talent, and personality. His death was a shock to the community, as people realized, “If this could happen to Anthony, it could happen to any of us,” said his father, Neal Tricarico. Takeaways:Autistic people/those on the autism spectrum are at increased risk of suicideCOVID-19 has had a profound impact on youth mental health.There is often a disconnect between autism support and mental health services.Support systems for families in crisis are often lacking.Seasonal changes can significantly affect mental health.Parental control is limited; love does not guarantee safety.Community support can provide immense comfort during grief.The importance of love and connection transcends loss.Achievements do not equate to fulfillment in children.Open conversations about mental health are essential.Creating a movement can honor lost loved ones and raise awareness.Grief can lead to profound spiritual growth and connection.Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:AnneMoss Rogers on Suicide Prevention & Struggling Teens — ON BOYS episodeLoving Someone With Suicidal Thoughts — ON BOYS episodeWhat You Need to Know About Boys & Suicide — ON BOYS episodeNAMI — National Alliance on Mental Illness (has support groups for parents!)Suicide & Autism — a report from the UKNeal's contact info:Email: neal@endurantmovement.comInstagram: @nealtricaricoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/neal.tricarico/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nealtricarico/Sponsor Spotlight: IXLThe world’s most popular subscription-based learning site for K–12! Get 20% off at ixl.com/TODAY Sponsor Spotlight: Hello FreshGet 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/FreeONBOYS Sponsor Spotlight: Boys Are GreatBoy-affirming merch!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    52 分
  • Exploring the Gender Gap

    Exploring the Gender Gap
    2024/11/28

    If you heard anything at all about the 2024 U.S. presidential election, you likely encountered the term "gender gap."

    More than half of female voters (53%) voted for Kamala Harris; more than half of male voters (also 55%) voted for Donald Trump. Among young voters, the gender gap was even more pronounced: 61% of women aged 18-29 voted for Harris, compared to 49% of males.

    Societal and political gender gaps are widening in other countries as well. Mark Sutton, director of The Boys Initiative & author of How Democrats Can Win Back Men, joins us to explore the factors underlying the gender gap and ways we can help boys and men thrive alongside girls and women.


    Takeaways:
    • The gender gap in voting reflects deeper cultural divides.
    • Men's issues are often overlooked in political discourse.
    • Human well-being should be a shared goal across genders.
    • Health disparities show men dying younger than women.
    • Political parties need to address the needs of all voters.
    • Support for women's health should not exclude men's health.
    • There is a growing discontent with both major political parties.
    • Unity among moderate voters can lead to positive change.
    • The future of gender representation is evolving positively. Support for women in leadership is crucial.
    • Local involvement in politics can make a difference.
    • Cultural backlash can lead to divisive movements.
    • Understanding different perspectives is essential.
    • The male vote plays a significant role in elections.
    • Engaging in conversations about gender is necessary.
    • Listening to others can foster better understanding.
    • Systemic issues affect boys and young men.
    • Advocacy for children's needs is a nonpartisan issue.

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

    Men & the 2024 Election -- Mark's Substack

    How Democrats Can Win Back Men: Why Understanding Male Voters & Their Issues is Vital for Democratic Victory -- Mark's book

    The Boys Initiative

    Sponsor Spotlight: IXL

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

    Sponsor Spotlight: Hello Fresh

    Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/FreeONBOYS

    Sponsor Spotlight: Boys Are Great

    Boy-affirming merch!



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

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    50 分
  • Navigating Youth Mental Health in the Digital Age

    Navigating Youth Mental Health in the Digital Age
    2024/11/21

    How can we support our boys’ well-being during a youth mental health crisis? How can we help them navigate life in this digital age?

    Katey McPherson has been working on these issues for years. Since we last talked in 2019, she and others have helped the state of Arizona pass a bundle of laws intended to decrease youth suicide. She’s also helped countless schools, communities, and families learn how they can support youth mental health in the current digital age.

    In this episode, Janet & Katey discuss:

    • How to keep kids safe (safer?) when using school-issued computers & other digital devices
    • Targeting of kids on social media and online gaming platforms
    • Kids’ online relationships
    • Tech tools to help you monitor your kids’ online activities
    • School shootings (and how we can prevent them)
    • Talking to kids about suicidal thoughts
    • Increasing the likelihood that your child will talk to you about tough things
    • Supporting youth mental health

    Takeaways:
    • We are facing significant challenges affecting our youth’s mental health.
    • Legislative changes can lead to improved suicide prevention resources.
    • Parents must understand the limitations of school-issued devices at home.
    • Social media can exacerbate feelings of exclusion and anxiety in youth.
    • Community support is crucial in preventing school violence.
    • Suicidal ideation often precedes violent actions in youth.
    • Open communication about mental health is essential for parents.
    • AI is becoming a critical tool in monitoring student safety.
    • It’s never too late to implement changes in parenting strategies.
    • Youth need coping strategies to deal with emotional pain.

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

    The Hope Institute

    What You Need to Know About Boys & Suicide (w Katey McPherson) — ON BOYS episode

    Red Flags, Safety Nets, & School Shootings — BuildingBoys post

    Katey's website is currently under construction. If you'd like to reach her, you can email her at Katey.mcpherson@bark.us


    Sponsor Spotlight: Hello Fresh

    Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/FreeONBOYS

    Sponsor Spotlight: IXL

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



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

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    44 分
  • Raising Boys Beyond the Man Box

    Raising Boys Beyond the Man Box
    2024/11/14

    Do you know what the “man box” is?

    Your boys do, whether they know the term or not. The “man box” is the set of expectations, perceptions, and behaviors that are considered “manly” in our society.

    In this episode, Jen, Janet, and Ted Bunch, Chief Development Officer of A Call to Men, explore the complexities boys face in a world that still clings to outdated ideas about masculinity. Ted shares his perspective on how we can empower boys to live authentically, develop respectful relationships, and move beyond the limitations of the “Man Box,” which often keep boys from becoming their true selves.

    Ted Bunch

    Together, they discuss ways parents and caregivers can help boys embrace their emotions, communicate openly, and understand the importance of consent. Ted also addresses tough topics, including the impact of pornography, the cultural confusion surrounding sexual consent, and how societal expectations can distort boys’ perceptions of masculinity. Through honest, practical conversations, this episode gives listeners the tools to support boys as they navigate these challenges and to foster connections that build character, respect, and self-awareness.

    In this episode, Jen, Janet & Ted discuss:
    • How to help boys find and express their authentic selves
    • The pervasive “Man Box” and how to break free of it
    • Why boys struggle to define consent—and how to help
    • Pornography’s impact on boys’ relationships
    • Conversations dads and caregivers need to have with boys
    • Encouraging boys to recognize the effects of their actions on others
    • Understanding and addressing the impact of sexual abuse on boys

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

    A Call to Men — includes helpful information & data, as well as links to their programs

    Tony Porter’s TED Talk about the Man Box

    What I’ve Learned Since My Son Came Out — article by Ted, mentioned at 38:37

    The New Masculinity — ON BOYS episode

    Empowering Boys to Challenge Rape Culture — ON BOYS episode

    Gender Norms Limit Boys (& Girls!) — ON BOYS episode

    Sponsor Spotlight: IXL

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



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

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    41 分
  • Amy Lang Discusses Puberty, Perimenopause, & Neurodivergence

    Amy Lang Discusses Puberty, Perimenopause, & Neurodivergence
    2024/11/07

    Puberty, perimenopause, and neurodivergence affects brains and bodies.

    And in two or more of those things are going on in our household at the same time…well, things can get particularly challenging, says Amy Lang, founder of Birds & Bees & Kids.

    Amy & Janet discuss it all in this ON BOYS episode


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

    The 3 Key Things Your Neurodivergent Boy Needs to Know about Sex (and 3 Things You Need to Know)

    Peri-menopause & Puberty: The Match Made in Heck – Get tickets here

    Tue Nov 19, 2024 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM PST

    Birds & Bees & Kids — Amy’s website

    Resources recommended by Amy:

    You Know, Sex: Bodies, Gender, Puberty, And Other Things

    Sex Talks With Tweens: What To Say & How To Say It

    Amaze.org/us

    BARK (inside US)

    Qustodio (monitoring outside US)

    Sex Ed for Neurodiverse Kids – ON BOYS episode w Amy Lang

    Keeping Boys Safe Online (w Amy Lang) — ON BOYS episode

    Talk to Boys About Sex (w Amy Lang) — ON BOYS episode

    Puberty, Perimenopause, & Midlife Parenting — ON BOYS episode


    Breakthrough Session for Family Coaching

    Schedule your no-cost call with Janet at https://boysalive.com/call


    Sponsor Spotlight: Hello Fresh

    Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/FreeONBOYS

    Sponsor Spotlight: IXL

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



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

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    49 分