Parenting Boys Class - Week 1

Kent and I started a weekly FREE class called "Parenting Boys Workshop." It's at a local church and is being taught by a local Middle School teacher. We saw the advertisement for it and quickly decided that we qualify. So far we're super impressed.

Some tidbits we've learned thus far:

1. Boys Brains are Literal & Objective (deductive thinkers).

2. They do well with structure (have a schedule).

3. Boys need logical reasons not to do something. If you do A then B happens. Tell a story about something in your past to help them connect with why a particular action is "bad."

4. They don't always process emotional stuff like you'd think they should.

5. Boys compartmentalize things. Home, school, play, sleep.

6. Their frontal lobe is not fully developed until 25. YIKES! This is where the decision making/impulsive behavior comes in. Wow... explains a lot!

7. Boys tend to bottle up their emotions

8. Water is critical. If they are stressed or acting crazy... give them water. It reduces the cortisol in the brain. Also remember snacks... lots of snacks to keep up the blood sugar.

9. "Movement makes memories." Go out a shoot baskets while talking about a difficult topic.

10. Boys naturally are attracted to dying, action & violent role play. If you tell them it's "bad" they feel shame for something that comes natural to them.

11. Do not allow them to be over-exposed to realistic violence.

12. Video games are a great outlet for them, but only in moderation. They need real people time.

13. Boys are competitive... risk taking shows are so dangerous!

14. If you turn off the tv, can they entertain themselves? if not, wean it back.

15. Keep TV's & Computers in public areas

16. Do they choose tv & video games over friends?

17. Establish shows that are not allowed

18. Suggested other activities... board games (teach friendly competition). Have him teach you how to play video games. Fishing, hiking, sports.

The class was a great start and I felt like I picked up some great things for discussion. Can't wait for next week!