tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.comments2024-03-05T20:00:47.681-06:00Blogging 'Bout BoysJennifer Finkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10568576650343979230noreply@blogger.comBlogger2197125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-28271448172924434142013-07-11T11:12:27.205-05:002013-07-11T11:12:27.205-05:00Want to join BuildingBoys right now? Find us on FB...Want to join BuildingBoys right now? Find us on FB (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Building-Boys/181413438681392) and Twitter (@BuildingBoys).Jennifer Finkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10568576650343979230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-33809413943279428522013-07-02T10:27:54.580-05:002013-07-02T10:27:54.580-05:00Love the lumberjack look :-)
Great to find your ...Love the lumberjack look :-) <br /><br />Great to find your blog, I would love for you to link up some of your posts at the <a href="http://mumsmakelists.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/empty-your-archive-13.html#Boys" rel="nofollow">Mommy Archive</a> - we're focused on the challenges of raising boys this week, Alice @ Mums Make ListsAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12272097956265786825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-60546847150460213292013-06-25T12:47:11.402-05:002013-06-25T12:47:11.402-05:00Great suggestion! The AMA has a great book too, Th...Great suggestion! The AMA has a great book too, The AMA Boy's Guide to Becoming a Teen.Jennifer Finkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10568576650343979230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-41741139120438592152013-06-25T12:02:44.030-05:002013-06-25T12:02:44.030-05:00I love the "It's So Amazing" books. ...I love the "It's So Amazing" books. They are factual, to the point, have a silly looking bird and bee to discuss the info, and age appropriate. It's super easy to refer back to them when there's a question that's a little awkward. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-70477557514946192402013-05-29T14:51:25.316-05:002013-05-29T14:51:25.316-05:00Hi Andrea! Good to hear from you. I just popped ov...Hi Andrea! Good to hear from you. I just popped over to take a peek at your blog. I'm pleased to see that you and your family have found the freedom of unschooling! Enjoy it, and know that if your boys ever do decide to try institutional schooling, they'll do fine. My boys are doing very well in school, in spite of (or because of, depending on your perspective) their years of homeschooling.Jennifer Finkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10568576650343979230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-30070025279842958002013-05-29T14:29:35.643-05:002013-05-29T14:29:35.643-05:00Glad to hear homework can be inspiring. Your kids...Glad to hear homework can be inspiring. Your kids are great!Andreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16642947276308505560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-61891077069793032222013-05-23T12:31:07.839-05:002013-05-23T12:31:07.839-05:00Has been a long time since we have exchanged blog ...Has been a long time since we have exchanged blog visits. Glad to see you are still writing.<br /><br />I think the results of this survey you are taking would be interesting. Cheryl and I raised one boy and two girls. The boy I understood. The girls ... different story. I could say something and one of them would cry. My wife would have to explain the dynamics of the conversation to me later. God sure made things interesting for us, didn't he?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-49082991789821064602013-05-03T14:44:46.281-05:002013-05-03T14:44:46.281-05:00Homework is one the most stressful tasks we had to...Homework is one the most stressful tasks we had to face when we were studying. My kids usually complain about the amount of homework that they have to do. So to relieve the stress, I let them watch a couple of shows once their done with their homework. That reward system has worked for me. Also, I make sure to give them breaks, so that they won't experience any burnout. Making the tasks interesting is a good way to go too.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.c2educate.com/academic-tutoring/math-tutoring/" rel="nofollow">Daniele Ickes</a>Daniele Ickeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13254743141547568740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-23293831378268797412013-04-24T20:03:11.489-05:002013-04-24T20:03:11.489-05:00you should make a video of them doing this to each...you should make a video of them doing this to each otherAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-50836539701776413532013-04-17T13:34:27.762-05:002013-04-17T13:34:27.762-05:00Not only brings "The business of baby" a...Not only brings "The business of baby" a lot of important information - it also raises a lot of important questions. And people who tend to take things as they are will do well in reading this very informative book.<br />DagnyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-33790455441815829602013-04-15T09:31:08.173-05:002013-04-15T09:31:08.173-05:00So glad you liked the post -- and glad to hear fro...So glad you liked the post -- and glad to hear from you and other homeschoolers that you found the post useful and relevant. Sometimes I think I'm the only one who's trying to navigate the school system. You helped me remember that there are lots of us.<br /><br />Your post on the topic is excellent too. Anyone with a teen (esp. a teen boy) who is resisting homework would do well to check it out: http://www.ahomeschoolstory.com/2013/04/homework-and-teens.htmlJennifer Finkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10568576650343979230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-59873364159615043272013-04-15T06:08:11.253-05:002013-04-15T06:08:11.253-05:00This is a new (and red hot) topic at our house thi...This is a new (and red hot) topic at our house this year, as we have our first-ever public school child in 10 years. My 14-year-old son, a freshman, chose to go to school, and thus, by our book, chose to play the school game, homework included. After much reflection and experimentation, we have returned to leaving it up to him. Badgering and harping about an upcoming test or homework was sapping my strength, creating marital and household conflict, and reducing our relationship to this child to perpetual arguments. He means more to me than that. Allowing him to take responsibility for his education is just as important as the grades, where his future is concerned. There is one caveat, however...and I think I will create a blog post from this topic on my own blog and quit filling up your comment box. Great topic and article, Jennifer!A Homeschool Storyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07601636901131690015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-61771397918656436962013-04-11T10:59:47.991-05:002013-04-11T10:59:47.991-05:00I love your advice re "make it meaningful,&qu...I love your advice re "make it meaningful," Alex. In fact, I like yours better than mine. Your comment also reminded me of something I meant to include, but forgot: You can help make homework meaningful to your son by reminding him of/pointing out a connection between his homework and something he does want or value. For instance, your son might not want to do his algebra homework.He might pull the old, "But when will I ever use this?" trick. But that same son may already have his eyes set on a college - so it might be good time to gently (and tactfully) remind your son of the college's math and admission requirements.Jennifer Finkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10568576650343979230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-35366655994515393932013-04-10T11:12:32.181-05:002013-04-10T11:12:32.181-05:00Thank you both, Anonymous. (Anonymouses?) ;)
I...Thank you both, Anonymous. (Anonymouses?) ;)<br /><br />I'll post more on this topic later today.<br /><br />Jennifer Finkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10568576650343979230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-24190274250844936362013-04-10T10:16:36.115-05:002013-04-10T10:16:36.115-05:00That is totally not what the article states. If yo...That is totally not what the article states. If you read it completely, you would of understood that we need to look at our priorities when it comes to homework. Nowhere in the article did it state to ignore/disrespect authority figures. I read it twice, just to ensure I didnt miss anything. I didnt. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-63980279550306158602013-04-09T23:23:31.936-05:002013-04-09T23:23:31.936-05:00Are you teaching your children to ignore/disrepect...Are you teaching your children to ignore/disrepect authority figures?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-27056674622415901142013-04-09T18:27:31.105-05:002013-04-09T18:27:31.105-05:00I applaud how you considered that homework is ofte...I applaud how you considered that homework is often pointless. We get that here, because school is designed to keep everyone at the same level my boys are ahead of the curve and therefore get pointless homework (and in-school work too). I think, as you probably do, that homework is mostly pointless!<br /><br />That said, there is some homework that appears useless to the child, or even the parent, but is useful. For example, rote multiplication practice has a purpose even though it might be boring.<br /><br />I also hesitate a bit on the "make it meaningful with rewards" advice. What about the research which shows that rewards decrease motivation? My strategy for making homework meaningful is to invent a value rather than a reward. Like "If you do these multiplication exercises then you'll be even faster." Or if it's a research project on some useless topic like piano history (that is something we had to do) then we can use the opportunity to practice writing in an interesting/compelling way or focus on some little-known aspect of pianos.Alex | Perfecting Dadhttp://www.perfectingparenthood.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-44253229759575255472013-04-09T08:56:22.345-05:002013-04-09T08:56:22.345-05:00Thanks, Pamela. You're right -- homeschooling ...Thanks, Pamela. You're right -- homeschooling families and school families often deal with the same issues re getting their kids to do something. And clearly, my homeschooling experiences have infused my thinking on this issue. What I learned, through homeschooling, is that grades are not the be all and end all, and aren't even always representative of learning. For someone like me -- who grew up very focused on grades and academic achievement -- that was an important realization.Jennifer Finkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10568576650343979230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-77282444602277302882013-04-08T15:15:18.926-05:002013-04-08T15:15:18.926-05:00This is such a great post. And it resonates too wi...This is such a great post. And it resonates too with us as homeschoolers. Every so often I have to ask similar questions: Why are we doing this? Whom (or what) is it serving? If we don't do it "my way"--will the world stop? Pamela @RedWhiteandGrewhttp://redwhiteandgrew.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-71694056721462824792013-03-26T08:34:28.808-05:002013-03-26T08:34:28.808-05:00The Waltons! Great suggestion. I remember watching...The Waltons! Great suggestion. I remember watching (and enjoying) that show as a kid. I should look for some DVDs of that one too. <br /><br />Another 70s era show I thought about: Eight is Enough.Jennifer Finkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10568576650343979230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-8423119010343945542013-03-25T20:52:56.823-05:002013-03-25T20:52:56.823-05:00I do think popular culture's depiction of male...I do think popular culture's depiction of male role models is awful! My first instinct is to shield my children from it; we we watch little TV, and most of it is PBS. We don't even have TV service - if it's not on a local channel, we don't get it. We do, however, buy DVDs of TV shows to watch. My kids really enjoyed Little House on the Prairie, but even more so? The Waltons. John Walton and his father Zeb are, I think, great examples of wonderful men. They both obviously loved their wives and children above all else. They were kind, but could be strong and forceful when the situation called for it. They didn't have much, and were willing to share what they did have. But they weren't so perfect they didn't make mistakes and have faults. And the best part? Every week you could watch four young boys grow up to be men just like their father and grandfather:)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-81919846166082026902013-03-23T15:41:39.038-05:002013-03-23T15:41:39.038-05:00Thank you, Jennifer, for this thoughtful response....Thank you, Jennifer, for this thoughtful response. I am also a single mom of a 6 year old boy. I received the link late last night and stayed up til 1:30 am expressing my opinion on my blog.<br /><br />I absolutely agree with you on the myriad of things affecting young boys. I also agree that single moms are often suffering in fear and anxiety. This could be why boys (and girls) are stifled in their growth and creativity.<br /><br />I'm with you to help break these cycles of dysfunction within the family dynamic, regardless of marital status. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-33293785687328771982013-03-22T16:22:14.909-05:002013-03-22T16:22:14.909-05:00I've just been reading your blog for a while- ...I've just been reading your blog for a while- I think AskMoxie led me here somehow. Anyway, I'm happy to hear about other moms of boys and how we can help turn them into the men we want them to be. I had some tough talks with my boys after Penn State, about personal privacy etc., but I've never touched on the topic of rape. I tell myself that 9 & 12 are too young, that right now I need to be teaching them to respect others in a more global way, but I suppose I should at least bring it up and see what they know. Where is that rock I can hide them under when I need it?My Kids' Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07568872428132909098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-60336379089019911072013-03-21T15:01:37.370-05:002013-03-21T15:01:37.370-05:00Thank you, Kyle!Thank you, Kyle!Jennifer Finkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10568576650343979230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473387128642021993.post-84672214585610176852013-03-21T15:01:26.968-05:002013-03-21T15:01:26.968-05:00Good point, Laura. I really do think our boys (and...Good point, Laura. I really do think our boys (and girls) need to learn that "no answer" doesn't equal consent. Jennifer Finkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10568576650343979230noreply@blogger.com