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Red Flags, Safety Nets, & School Shootings
Red flags almost always precede school shootings. We know that; we’ve documented it. And we’ve done next to nothing about it. How many more red
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We believe
There’s no such thing as a “typical boy”
All boys are different. So while boys, generally speaking, are prone to movement and risk-taking, we know that’s not true of all boys. We steer away from stereotypes.
All boys can succeed
We define “success” as productive engagement with the world. All boys have something important to contribute to the world.
Asking a 5-year- old boy to sit still for most of the day is ridiculous
Boys, especially young boys, learn best through play, movement and experimentation. Schools that push early academics hurt far more boys than they help.
Playing with sticks, swords and toy guns is absolutely OK
The research is clear: there is no link between “violent” play and true violence. Pretend weapons play is perfectly healthy and may help boys cope with their fears and feelings.
Boys cry too
You’ll never hear us say, “man up!” in an effort to stifle emotion. For too long, boys and men have been encouraged to hide their feelings. We want to make it OK for boys to feel (and express) their emotions.
Understanding boys is the first step toward effectively parenting and educating boys
Boys are different than girls, and so is their experience of the world. In order to best help our boys, we need to learn all we can about them and their experience.
Boys’ interests should be respected
Too often, boys’ interests are belittled and considered “a waste of time.” But an interest in anything can lead anywhere, and that’s as true for video games and sports as it is for Newtonian physics and engineering.
Boys deserve the facts about sex. And relationships
It’s almost impossible to avoid porn in today’s digitally connected world. That’s why it’s more important than ever to provide our boys with accurate information regarding sex, health and contraception, and why it’s absolutely crucial to talk to our boys about love, respect and relationships as well.
Most adults are well-meaning
The vast majority of teachers, coaches and parents genuinely want to help the kids in their charge. But they don’t all understand boys, and some haven’t confronted or resolved their own issues. Sharing information and working together is more productive in effecting change than blame and shaming.
Building boys will improve the world
Healthy, confident boys grow into healthy, confident men. Together, we can expand our boys’ opportunities and make a difference for the next generation.
About Jennifer
BuildingBoys was founded in 2013 by Jennifer L.W. Fink, a freelance writer and mother of four boys…
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On Boys
Join co-hosts Jennifer L.W. Fink, mom of four boys, and Janet Allison, parenting coach & educator…
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The Bulletin
Classes & Events
Join Jennifer for one of her BuildingBoys teleseminars, media appearances or speaking engagements. New events added frequently.
Writing
Who better to write about boys than an award-winning writer who has four sons? Jennifer’s articles about boys has been featured in The Washington Post, Parents, Parade and Scholastic Instructor.
Speaking
Need a vibrant, energetic speaker who can connect with parents and educators? Jennifer will craft a presentation to meet your needs.