113: Lying, Risk, & How to Advocate for Boys (Listener Q&A, Part 2)

Welcome to Part 2 of our first Listener Q & A! This week, Jen & Janet tackle 3 more questions: * "What strategies do you use to deal with a sudden increase in lying in pre-teen boys?" * "What's the best way to allow young boys to be adventurous/risky physically while maintaining a clear, safe boundary and being a responsible parent?" * "How do you talk about the needs of boys and the help they need without sounding dismissive of girls or anti-feminist? For example, as the mother of a boy, I'm not entirely sure I agree with making scouting gender-neutral. I think boys benefit from boys-only time. But how do I make that point without sounding sexist or anti-progressive?" Have we mentioned that you ask GREAT questions? In this episode, Jen & Janet dig in and discuss: * Why tweens are likely to lie (Hint: the tween -- & teen -- years are all about separating from your parents). * How your response to your son's lies will influence his future behavior (Not-so-fun fact: If you consistently come down hard on your kids, they're more likely to lie.) * When -- and which -- consequences are appropriate for boys caught in a lie? * The role of risk in boys' development. * How parental hovering can interfere with boys' development -- and inadvertently increase the risk of injury or inactivity. * Why moms and female teachers may be boys' most effective advocates! * How to advocate for boys without sounding sexist or anti-progressive. Jen & Janet have a lot of fun recording these podcasts -- as you can see in this fully uncut Youtube video. (Go to 3:30 if you want to see Jen & Janet crack up over a poop joke.) Links we mentioned (or should have) in Episode 113: Episode 112: Potty Talk, Vaping & School (Listener Q & A, Part 1)  "I Didn't Do It!" -- Jen's Scholastic Parent & Child article about why kids lie and how to foster truthfulness Let Them Take Risks -  U.S. News article inspired by Jen's 14 -year-old son Encouraging Your Son to Take Healthy Risks -- article by Jen For Our Boys - BuildingBoys' call for moms to advocate for boys Got a question you’d like us to answer in a future episode? Leave it in the comments below.