We know raising boys to be men in the new millennium is not an easy task. Society has traditionally socialized them to be tough, aggressive, and competitive. They’re supposed to be in control of their relationships and careers. At the same time, contemporary society is also telling boys and men to communicate, emote, and connect with others.

When statistics tell us that boys are falling behind in the twenty-first century, it’s time we examine how we raise them to be fit and well and prepared for new economies and social expectations.

These changing roles and the evolving definition of masculinity have created anxiety and confusion. People disagree about how to better raise boys, keep them out of trouble, and help them when they are in trouble. Despite disagreements, the facts show that boys and those raising them are in crisis. While we want boys to develop their masculinities, it can’t come at the peril of losing their humanity.

Helping boys in crisis

Boys are ten times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, and four to six more times likely than girls to commit suicide. They account for 71% percent of school suspensions, 70% of the special education population, and 93% of juvenile homicide. Colleges and universities show a precipitous drop in male enrollment to only 40% of their student body. What’s going on in boys’ lives?

Clearly, it’s a challenge to raise boys today and even a greater challenge to help those who are troubled.

The Men’s Resource Center believes it’s critically important for boys to be socialized to embrace their full humanity and prepared for the diverse challenges of the twenty-first century. This workshop provides participants a different way of being with boys in crisis so that they can help boys create an identity, develop skills, and better function in relationships and in the community.

This training will help participants:

  • Understand how our boys are falling behind
  • Gain insight into how boys are socialized to be men in our culture
  • Learn how this socialization process can be toxic to their humanity
  • Increase knowledge on how boys develop particular behavioral problems due to the externalization process and hyper-masculinity
  • Develop a conceptual framework for better working with troubled boys
  • Learn strategies for helping boys and their families

We offer this as a presentation or full-day workshop. Call the Men’s Resource Center for our fee schedule and more information.