9 ways to help boys form the close friendships they crave
Boys want to share the full range of their feelings, but many of them consider that too risky, feminine and “touchy feely.” If we give them the means to buck male stereotypes and form the…
Phyllis Fagell is a licensed clinical professional counselor, certified professional school counselor and journalist.
Boys want to share the full range of their feelings, but many of them consider that too risky, feminine and “touchy feely.” If we give them the means to buck male stereotypes and form the…
In addition to teaching, it seems we’re expected to be human shields,” one teacher says. Principals are hearing about school systems training teachers to use guns, or practicing drills with swarms of police officers and…
When we put our own oxygen masks on first, everyone benefits. We become less reactive and more giving colleagues, better friends, calmer parents — and, for those of us who work in schools — more…
The first installment of my regular column, “The Meaningful Middle,” for AMLE Magazine. Workplace satisfaction is complex—especially in schools — as seventh-grade English teacher Maggie knows well. She was intrigued by one of the items…
I love to talk about books with students, but reading together is also a great, not-too-intrusive way to gain access to your own child’s thoughts. I learned this firsthand when my 14-year-old daughter Emily and…
Tim, a young single dad on another continent, woke up feeling lost and alone. His tween son had made a big mistake, and Tim had raged at him the night before. He’s extremely close to…
If we want to empower kids with learning differences or ADHD, parents and schools need to ensure we’re identifying the right issues. We also need to understand that every challenge comes with built-in strengths, and…
When this seventh grade boy was shunned for making a mistake, he chose to do something incredibly courageous. His classmates’ reaction blew me away and made all the adults in the room cry. Sean sat…
I enjoyed presenting at McQuaid Jesuit in New York yesterday. I talked about staying connected with teen sons, and I shared the importance of knowing, honoring and accepting your child for who he is rather…
Michael Gordon ran a middle school for 40 years. That’s right, four DECADES. As principal, he got tough kids to soften and overprotective parents to loosen their grip. Under his watch, troublemakers fell into…
There’s nothing worse than an epic battle with kids over homework. Or watching your kids shut down because they feel stuck, frustrated and defeated. With a little creativity, parents can help them overcome barriers to…
Here’s my Washington Post video on talking to kids about sex, along with some classic movie clips! Read the full article here in the Washington Post
In eighth grade, my social studies teacher asked for a volunteer to define “sagacious.” Atypically, I raised my hand. Ms. F. called on me, surprised to see me participating. But when I gave the correct…
“I need you to spread the cream cheese on my bagel,” my 9-year-old son told me. I shook my head. “No, you don’t. Last I checked, Alex, you have working hands.” He tested my resolve.…
My 15-year-old son texted me from a small bookstore in Massachusetts. “Can you please come here now?” It was a rainy day, and I had popped into the Starbucks next door. I grabbed my coffee…
When I was a first-year middle school counselor, I went on an outdoor education trip with my sixth graders. Just before we left, I learned that I would be in charge of teaching the kids…
Subscribe below and receive blog updates and articles via email