Why do boys....? Bringing up boys brings up all kinds of questions! Jen & Janet have answers. Photo by Pixabay Tamara asks: Why do boys communicate through physical touch/aggression and use sarcasm for communication rather than regular conversation? Katrina worries that her son may be alienating himself from his friends -- and missing out on social opportunities -- because he's so dedicated to his sport. She says: I'm afraid he's distancing himself from his friends and will one day find himself without them. How do I bring it up without seeming like a nag?? Elena wants help answering her son's question: My older son complained that, “all the girls wear ‘girl power’ shirts… why don’t they have ‘boy power’-type shirts?” and says: My son wants to feel powerful and able to say it without being considered a pompous ass. But… how? Are there any “boy power” slogans and tees that don’t undermine others or make him look like our family doesn’t respect the accomplishments of all types of people?? Jessy asks: Will raising a strong-willed boy be too challenging for elder and sick parents to handle when he reaches teenage age? In this episode, Jen & Janet discuss: Boy communication Sarcasm vs. disrespect Roughhousing & aggression Whether parents should push boys to socialize Helping boys navigate girl power Raising strong-willed boys Parenting when you're not physically or emotionally well Intergenerational friendships Asking for help Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode: Teacher Tom Talks About Boys, Emotion, & Play -- ON BOYS episode (mentioned at 14:37) The Art of Roughhousing (w Dr. Lawrence Cohen) -- ON BOYS episode (mentioned at 15:48) Boys Get Eating Disorders Too -- ON BOYS episode featuring Oona Hanson (mentioned at 20:56) Helping Boys Develop Healthy Body Image -- ON BOYS episode Gender Equality, Boys, & Men -- ON BOYS episode featuring Richard V. Reeves (mentioned at 25:34) This Boy Can Tshirts -- super awesome shirts that'll make boys feel great! My Boy Can with Sassy Harvey -- ON BOYS podcast (mentioned at 30:03) Parenting Through Health Challenges -- ON BOYS podcast featuring Jen Singer (mentioned at 33:31) Need help with your boys? Subscribe to Jen’s newsletter, Building Boys Bulletin Join Janet Allison’s real-time, monthly group coaching program, Decoding Your Boy