Boys Built Better

Tune in for an update on where my family is now vs. when Boys Built Better started two years ago. There is more details in the episode, but for now, this is our last regularly scheduled show. Be sure to subscribe or like us on Facebook or Instagram for updates on new episodes. https://www.facebook.com/boysbuiltbetter/https://www.instagram.com/boysbuiltbetter/

Vaping has been all over the news lately, but if you are raising a young adult vaping has probably been something that they have been exposed to for a lot longer than the recent headlines. Today I am chatting with health educator Christa Timmerman about the basics of vaping, its health concerns and how to talk to you child. Show Notes and LinksFor more information on vaping check out:https://www.larimerhealth.org/vapingFor resources on how to help you child quit visit:https://www.larimerhealth.org/youthquitDoes your child want to become a youth advocate? Check out:https://youthactionforhealth.comLike Boys Built Better on https://www.facebook.com/boysbuiltbetter/ or follow us at https://www.instagram.com/boysbuiltbetter/Timestamps•What is an e-cigarette (3:56)•Why is vaping so interesting to teens? (8:18)•Vaping rates in boys (10:00)•What regulations are in place to protect kids? (11:57)•Health Risks associated with vaping (15:36)•Recent Headlines (18:11)•What addiction really means (21:20)•How can parents

Boys Built Better returns on NoCo FM with part two of our conversation recorded live at Heyday Fort Collins with guest Kori Wilford. Learn more about how to have tough conversations with your kids.

Earlier this summer, I was asked by my neighbor and friend Jennifer Little if I would speak at her shop Hey Day as part of its Hey Day grows series. We’d had several conversations about raising kids at our neighborhood get togethers and decided that it was information worth sharing.Would I speak alone? Oh, no! I reached out to my resident conversation expert and previous guest Kori Wilford. In this episode, we tackle how to talk to your kids about tough things while also respecting their curiosity and their right to know. The longer I host this show, the more I learn that this, above all other parenting topics, is the heart of our relationships with our kids.Want more Kori? Check out our original episode on talking to your kids about sex:https://boysbuiltbetter.com/podcast/creating-sexually-healthy-boys-of-all-ages-and-talking-to-your-son-about-sex/Want more Jen? Check out Hey Day online:https://theheydaystore.com/https://www.instagram.com/theheydaystore/Want more Boys Built Better? Follow us:https://www.

Reposting an episode from last summer about transitioning to middle school. In addition to my chat with parent Erin Dirvonas, I’m reflecting on how my son did during his first year. Listening to this again, it’s amazing how much stuff that she mentioned also came up for us. Is your child heading into middle school? Get prepped with this episode.Topics• The sixth-grade experience • Similarities to Elementary? • Teacher Communication • Developing Independence • Lunch Questions • Dealing with the locker • Time Management • Learning to speak for yourself • Picking an instrument • All the girls • Changing throughout the year/ grades • What to prepare for ahead of time • Learning to contemplate and expand ideas • Devices and social media • Parenting through middle school

Re-airing last year’s episode about transitioning your child to kindergarten. Last year I was working really hard to get my youngest prepared and am know happy to report back that he had a great, successful year. Is your own child about to start elementary school? From academics to independence skills, we’ve got a lot of great tips on how to make the transition a success.Looking for some last minute prep ideas? Find recommended workbooks at:https://boysbuiltbetter.com/education/best-workbooks-for-pre-k-children/The easy way I taught my middle son to tie shoes is available at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b0PiWo5rC4My favorite lunchbox is can be found at:https://amzn.to/2lgav6L

Re-airing one of the most informative episodes of the show to date. I recently spoke with Kori at an event regarding having tough conversations with your kids. While we recorded that event and it will be available as an episode in the fall, we had so many people reach out to us regretting that they couldn’t be there I thought I would re-air Kori and I’s first conversation.We are talking to Kori Wilford, a public health educator with the Larimer County Department of Health on how to raise sexually healthy boys and how to initiate that conversation early and often.From the definition of sexual health, to today’s research, to what to teach at all ages, this episode is not only fascinating but filled with great information and practical tips on how to tackle this conversation no matter how old your child is.Recommended Resources:It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie Harrishttps://amzn.to/2Lx8JJtWhat’s the Big Secret?: Talking about Sex with Girls and Boys by Laurie Krasny Brownhttps://amzn.to/2Lw6RRmWhat’s Happening t

A few weeks ago, I talked with Dr. Hector De Leon about adolescent depression. During that episode I mentioned our own experience with depression but in an effort to get his information out, I didn’t say much about our personal story. Today I am chatting about what it was like to go through that with my son and how you can hear more personal stories of ours going forward.Show Notes and LinksWant to hear more exclusive audio on Patreon? Sign up to support us:https://www.patreon.com/boysbuiltbetterIf you haven’t already check out our interview with Dr. Hector DeLeon on Adolescent Depression:https://boysbuiltbetter.com/education/e22-depression-in-young-children-and-adolescents/Check out Kaiser Permanente’s site on depression including a self-assessment tool:https://findyourwords.orgWant more Boys Built Better?https://www.facebook.com/boysbuiltbetter/https://www.instagram.com/boysbuiltbetter/Get full episode notes:https://boysbuiltbetter.com/

This time last year, my oldest son chose choir as his middle school arts elective. At this time, I think he chose it because he thought it was the easy route out (he was not a fan of the practice requirements of band). A year later and he not only performs in his grade level choir but an extra-curricular choir as well AND practices at home without being asked. Always shy and never the child that I thought was a performer, he blossomed in choir in ways that I never expected and it is joy to watch him perform.In another episode of our Boys Beyond the Ball series (episodes that highlight the experience and benefits of activities outside of standard team sports) today we are talking to Joseph Perron, choir director at Lesher Middle School in Fort Collins, about what it is like having participated in music as a child, the benefits choir can have on boys today and both the expected and unexpected skills that one grows as a result.Topics• Participating in music as a child (3:33)• What commitment to music looks lik

Every time that summer rolls around, I make plan on how to keep my kid engaged over the next three months. This year, more than ever I am thinking about how the “summer slide” and how to keep up with academics. Find out the latest research on what kids lose over the summer and how I’m working to prevent that this year.Topics• What is the Summer Slide (0:45)• Why I am thinking about it (1:55)• Research Behind it (8:39)• Our plan (22:23)• Academic Options for Early Elementary (28:01)• Academic Options for Upper Elementary (31:27)• Academic Options for Middle School (33:57)• The BBB Summer Challenge (38:52)Show Notes and Links• Check out the Summer Reading Challenge Grand Prize https://amzn.to/2YCQlSD• Science kit to try for Science Friday https://amzn.to/2HsGTvx• Read Aloud for older children https://amzn.to/2WfIdtN• Get two books free for trying Audible https://amzn.to/2HuX4bS• Research on Summer Learning Loss https://www.nwea.org/blog/2018/summer-learning-loss-what-we-know-what-were-learning/http://ideas.ti

“As many as 1 in every 5 teens experience depression at some point during adolescence, but they often go undiagnosed and untreated.” My own son was diagnosed with depression at the age of 11, but he had been suffering for probably a year before that diagnosis. As a parent, I had an inkling but wasn’t sure and really didn’t know at what point to seek help and certainly didn’t know what to expect when finally making that appointment. Today I am speaking with pediatrician Dr. Hector De Leon about depression in children and adolescents. We are chatting about what depression is, its symptoms, how it’s diagnosed and what treatment looks like. From stigma to how to talk to your kids about it, Dr. De Leon covers everything you need to know to identify depression and get your child the help he needs.Topics• Understanding depression (4:50)• How depression is different in children (8:66)• Symptoms of depression (10:46)• Depression in older children vs. younger children (12:35)• How depression progresses (13:45)• Boy

While planning content with SAVA for our consent series, the topic of boys in the era of #MeToo came up. I had seen some posts on social media raising concern for boys today and they had me wondering. Is it harder to be a boy today? What effect does the #MeToo movement have on men? And on parents raising boys? Today I am chatting with Brett Naylor of the SAVA Center on what it means to be a man today.Topics• What the #metoo movement is (2:50)• Its significance (5:25)• What does #metoo mean to men (7:26)• Is it more dangerous to be a man today? (10:15)• Fake accusations (11:58)• Parenting Boys (17:50)• Men Too (20:07)• Terry Crews (25:13)• Fathers (30:59)• Supporting Survivors (33:26)• Resources (38:50)Show Notes and LinksFor more on Terry Crews’ story:https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2017/11/15/i-will-not-be-shamed-actor-terry-crews-details-his-alleged-sexual-assault/For sexual violence support outside of Northern Colorado visit:https://www.rainn.orgThe national domestic violenc

In honor of Sexual Assault Prevention Month, today we are talking about teaching your children about consent. The idea of consent has been coming up a lot in the media lately, so much so that now it can be added to the list of things that SHOULD be talked about with your children. What I love about this conversation is that it really highlights how consent education not only develops an understanding of the what consents is and how to ask, but also helps to create your child’s own body autonomy and better self-awareness.Topics:* How a Perpetrator is Created (3:50)* Approaching Consent with Kids (10:47)* Talking About Consent at Every Age (17:18)* Body Autonomy (20:46)* Normal Development and Red Flags (25:33)* Media’s Influence (32:31)* What Kids See vs. Reality (39:35)* Programs SAVA Teaches (44:18)* Community Involvement (46:12)* Resources (48:30)Show Notes and Links:How is consent like a cup of tea?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGoWLWS4-kUFor the previous episode on understanding assault, harassment an

You cannot raise boys today without being cognizant of what that means in our current society. Recent events such as the #MeToo movement and the Kavanaugh hearings have placed the topic of consent on the forefront of my mind as a mom of boys. Not only does it mean that as a parent I need to be responsible for teaching about consent to my children, but it also means that I need to be more informed as well. Today I am chatting with Hannah Butler of the SAVA Center and we are defining assault, harassment, and consent as well as discussing how society sets up an environment in which these exist. It’s a topic that you might think you understand, but it is also an ever-changing landscape and something to consider discussing regularly with your child so that you both understand the ramifications of all types of behavior.Topics* Pyramid of Violence (4:25)* Media Involvement (14:44)* How Individuals Can Make a Difference (19:27)* Defining Harassment (21:42)* Defining Assault (25:28)* Title IX (32:48)* Examples of H

When does a child who is gay start to realize that? And what does coming out look like from both that boy’s perspective and his parents? Today we are chatting with my friend Leslie Lubell and her son Eli about one story from two perspectives. From bullies, to bravery, today’s episode will shed light on what it feels like to realize you are homosexual and how best to support your child through those early days.Topics* Coming Out as a Child (4:23)* At Home vs. At school (9:20)* Advice for other’s in the same position (12:12)* Coping with Bullies (17:04)* Coming Out as a Parent (19:10)* How did you know so young? (38:57)* Advice for parents who are struggling (41:22)Show Notes and LinksTo contribute to Eli’s athletic fundraising campaign visit:https://on.noco.fm/2TIBzuLFor more information about supporting your child visit PFLAG:https://pflag.org Want more Boys Built Better? Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boysbuiltbetter/Get full episode notes:https://boysbuiltbetter.com/

All the QuestionsMan, have I been fielding a lot of questions about money lately. How much money do we have? Can we buy a Lamborghini? I want to go out to lunch with friends, can you give me some cash?All this talk prompted me to consult the internet for tips and tricks on how to talk to my boys about money and help grow them into financially literate adults.Financial LiteracyDid you know that was a thing? I honestly didn't until a few weeks ago. Being financially literate means that you as an adult have an understanding of things like: budgeting, debt, interest, and saving.Do you know what else? Statistics show that most of us ADULTS are unlikely to be financially literate and that it is not generally being taught in schools. That means that if your kids are going to grow up understanding all the ins and outs of handling money, YOU are going to have to teach them.Today we are talking about what it means to be financially literate and the skills you should possess as well as how to talk to your kids abou

"To Thine Own Self Be True"  -William ShakespeareIn our first Boys Beyond the Ball episode, I am talking to Jason Peck director of theater at St. Luke’s School as well as the founder and co-artistic director of Thrown Stone Theater Company.  We are chatting about what it is like participating in theater growing up and the positive impact that it can have on kids today. We discuss everything from what goes into a production, the myriad of skills that theater can develop (hello, empathy!), specific challenges boys face and how theater can help boys overcome those challenges.Show Notes and Links* Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast player* Like Boys Built Better on Facebook* Want to know more about Jason? Check out Thrown Stone Theater Company Timestamps* Getting Started (6:50)* What being in theater looks like (9:41)* Positive Effects on Boyhood (13:31)* Components of a Production (16:00)* Backstage Opportunities (19:05)* Skill Building (20:50)* Participating in Theater Today (27:46)* Challenges Boys F

I’ve been thinking about boys and speech. Maybe it’s because my nephew is in speech therapy, maybe it’s because my friend’s son is too or maybe it’s because I have concerns about my own 6-year-old.Do boys talk later than girls? What can I do as a parent to support speech development? And where do I start if I’m concerned?Today I am chatting with Sarah Armstrong a Speech and Language pathologist with over 22 years of experience.  We are talking about the role of a Speech and Language pathologist, understanding speech development, boys and speech, identifying a delay and supporting speech growth. Recommended Resources:* Visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association asha.org to find therapists and for more information on speech disorders* Visit speakingofspeech.com or teacherspayteachers.com to find resources for helping your own child with speech* Want to hear more from Sarah? Reach out at sarahtheslp@gmail.com or find Sarah Oakden Armsrong on Linked InTimestamps* Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff (2:00)* Wh

“Dyslexia robs a person of time; accommodations return it.” –Dr. Sally Shaywitz Learning to Read is hard enough as it is, right? But what if your child also has a language processing disorder? And how would you know? Today I am talking with Lindsay Terry-Lloyd founder of the non-profit Klimb Consulting (www.klimbconsulting.org) a bay-area based company dedicated to helping parents navigate a dyslexia diagnosis. In this episode, Lindsay shares her own family’s story as well as tips on identifying dyslexia and living with dyslexia while maintain your child’s confidence.Things I never knew until this interview:* 20 percent of the population is dyslexic* A Dyslexia diagnosis can range from mild to severe* While dyslexics do struggle with reading, dyslexia comes with identifiable positive attributes such as extraordinary building and/or drawing talentsRecommended Resources:* For a list of signs and additional information, check out the Yale Center for Dyslexia (dyslexia.yale.edu)* Recommended Therapy Modalities:*

Happy New Year!!!My resolution this year is to continue to be there for my boys in a greater way than just checking in on homework assignments daily.  And today we are talking about just that. I met my guest, Amber Olsen, through Facebook several months ago.  Amber, is the founder of The Kaleidoscope Project, which is an organization helping to support the emotional development of girls.  As I learned more about what she is doing, it became more and more apparent that the same issue is not only relevant but essential for boys and that Amber would make an awesome guest. I feel like more and more I am reading about how critical it is to support your son’s emotional development to the same extent, if not more, than you would support a girl.  The thing about boys is that they are constantly working against a societal expectation of being emotionless.  But boys, especially pre-teens, aren’t emotionless and navigating the highs and lows of life is a complex emotional roller coaster and requires parental support. Bu