For my first post of 2024, I don’t want to talk about new year’s resolutions. That content is everywhere and we are inundated with messages about setting new year’s resolutions but knowing that they will fail. When it comes to parenting teenage boys, it sometimes feels like new year, same problems. There are difficulties inherent in what we are doing and the parenting journey is not linear, especially with teenage boys. New year’s day is not magically different from new year’s eve. The struggles we faced last year will continue and may also change this year. But my goal for this newsletter is to keep the focus on what we, as parents, can do. As we move into the new year, I want to express my intentions for this weekly newsletter moving forward.
Such a great resource! Also recommend Building Boys by Jennifer Fink. I wrote a post about it last year when it came out but lots of great information in there as well.
I am looking forward to this year and this Substack.
Same. My oldest just started middle school and it's comforting to know that there are good resources out there as he transitions into teenagerdom.
I cannot recommend the book Of Boys and Men enough.
Such a great resource! Also recommend Building Boys by Jennifer Fink. I wrote a post about it last year when it came out but lots of great information in there as well.
Oh, I haven't read that one yet. Of Boys and Men helped to affirm and solidify so many thoughts that I had been having for years. And then I wrote this last summer: https://open.substack.com/pub/sarahstyf/p/i-want-better-for-our-sons?r=jbxzo&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true
thanks, I will check it out.
Our 12-year-old will transition to the junior high next year, just as he hits 13