Building Boys Bulletin

The more insight you gain about boys, the simpler it becomes to nurture and guide them. Before my sons came along, I had little understanding of how boys develop or the obstacles they encounter in school and society. Over the last two decades, I've learned a great deal from my experiences with my boys and through discussions with various specialists. As a professional writer and podcaster, I've had the opportunity to interview numerous experts on boys, such as Steve Biddulph, Maggie Dent, Michael C. Reichert, and Warren Farrell. I make it a point to read nearly every book focused on boys and dedicate several hours each week to exploring news articles, studies, and other resources related to raising and educating boys.

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Articles

What Pulling Weeds Taught Me About Raising Boys

1 week ago | buildingboys.substack.com | Jennifer Fink

I’ve been thinking about roots lately. It’s partly because I’ve been gardening & partly because I recently attended the dedication of a historical marker, commemorating a town that no longer exits. I attended because my husband and I both have deep family roots in Fussville, a never-incorporated community that began as a settlement of German Catholic farmers. His dad grew up there, as did his dad’s dad and his dad’s dad’s dad before that.
They're Not So Dumb After All

2 weeks ago | buildingboys.substack.com | Jennifer Fink

Last Thursday, my youngest son came <this close> to driving into a tornado. We knew bad weather was headed our way. Storms, potentially strong ones, had been predicted & everything — the skies, updated weather reports — supported that prediction. We all expected strong thunderstorms; we did not expect a tornado.
They're Selling Boys Anxiety & Competition

3 weeks ago | buildingboys.substack.com | Jennifer Fink

I didn’t want to write about sperm racing. Sperm racing, to me, represents what’s wrong with American culture - while also telling us a lot about what’s going on with boys & men. Which is why I’m writing about it, despite my deep desire to not give these guys any additional attention. In case you missed it, a 17-year-old boy spearheaded a sperm racing contest that made headlines.
The Last Parenting Book You'll Ever Read w Meagan Francis

1 month ago | buildingboys.substack.com | Jennifer Fink |Meagan Francis

Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! If you missed it, here’s the biggest thing you may need to know: Meagan & I, parents of 8 boys between us, agree on the worst age for boys. (Spoiler alert: It’s 15. It is absolutely 15.) This was my first Substack Live & it was easier than I thought. So I’m thinking…We, Building Boys community, should do more of these. What do you think? What would you like to see?
Perspectives on Parenting Boys

1 month ago | buildingboys.substack.com | Jennifer Fink

You’ve heard the old saying about missing the forest for the trees. That’s a really easy thing to do while parenting. It is so easy to hyperfocus on the current crisis du jour and lose sight of the bigger picture. Been there, done that! And I can tell you: It’s not all the helpful.
A Peek Inside...

1 month ago | buildingboys.substack.com | Jennifer Fink

Here’s a fun fact about me: I hate spending time or money on things that aren’t a sure value. My bank accounts (and bills!) tell me that I can’t afford to do so. And, like all of you, I am sick of influencers promising life-changing results and then…charging me more if I want anything of value. That’s why I’m letting you see what happens during Boost Boys’ Motivation, our interactive course for parents & others who care about boys.
What Are You Worried About?

1 month ago | buildingboys.substack.com | Jennifer Fink

Parents worry, a lot. It’s part of the gig - our worry literally helps keep our kids alive. It can also become dysfunctional and overwhelming. (I’m speaking from personal experience here!)This short clip is from our most recent ON BOYS podcast episode:(You can listen to the whole thing here.)We’ll talk more about worry — & what you can to to set down some of your unhelpful ones — in Boost Boys’ Motivation, which starts May 6.
Have an Unmotivated Boy?

1 month ago | buildingboys.substack.com | Jennifer Fink

Are you worried that your son doesn’t seem to care about anything? (Other than video games, social media, his sports team, and his friends.)This is super-common. And and super-annoying!You worry about his future — & wonder why he isn’t worried about his grades or future. It’s really easy to get stuck here. To go ‘round & ‘round in an endless circle of worrying & nagging. But — as you’ve probably already learned — that doesn’t really help. In fact, a lot of the time, it makes things worse.
Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Boy?

1 month ago | buildingboys.substack.com | Jennifer Fink

“No group of teenagers is more feared than a pack of teenage boys.” That’s a famous quote by author bell hooks and I’ve seen and experienced the truth of it time & again.
On Boys & Motivation

1 month ago | buildingboys.substack.com | Jennifer Fink

One of the (very many!) things that I learned parenting 4 sons is that lack of motivation is VERY COMMON among tween & teenage boys. VERY common. As in, you are almost certainly not the only parent in your friend group or neighborhood who is currently worried about your son’s lack of apparent concern for his homework, future, or chores. In fact, parental concerns about boys’ motivation are so common that Janet Allison & I just recorded 3 short ON BOYS podcast episodes about boys & motivation.