GCP recently had another live event: A conversation with GCP mom Kathryn Chenault. Kathryn, an attorney who stepped away from her professional life to devote time and effort to raising her two sons (who are now wonderful young men in their 20′s), graciously hosted us at her glorious home. Beautiful surroundings, great weather, and wonderful advice from a boy mom [...]
In a recent report on gender, economic mobility and college success, a team of Columbia and Ohio State University researchers have concluded that they have seen the future, and it doesn't look good for boys. In their paper, found here and reported in the NY Times here, they assert that eighth grade report cards tell the story: if an [...]
It has been front page news for a few days now: L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling allegedly made some outrageously offensive racist comments about Black people to his Black and Hispanic girlfriend. Talk to your sons about this situation, and ask them what they would do if they played for or were the coach of the L.A. Clippers. The [...]
A good male friend recently described the relationship between his two teen sons as "non-existent". Different social circles, different schools, unconnected lives living in the same house. If one is away for a while, the other will eventually ask about him, but only casually, and he certainly doesn't want his brother to know that he cares. My friend assures [...]
Just a quick posting of two thought-provoking articles: In "Teaching My Son to Love Himself", found here, author Faye McCray wonders about the extent to which her son struggles with issues of identity when he finds a white girl is prettier than a Black one. A white father of an African-American son shares "What I Learned About Stop-and-Frisk From [...]
Black boys as young as 10 years old are more likely than their White peers to be mistaken as older, less innocent, and more appropriate targets for police violence if accused of a crime, according to research conducted by UCLA psychologists. In their study, abstracted here, the researchers examined "whether Black boys are given the protections of childhood equally [...]
This afternoon President Obama will announce the launch of an initiative to provide greater opportunities to African-American and Hispanic young men of color. His "My Brother's Keeper" initiative has already received a $150 million commitment from a group of foundations and businesses who have pledged an additional $200 million towards this effort. The White House initiative seeks to intervene [...]
This past weekend GCP Mom Gwendolyn Adolph hosted the very first GCP live event. She gathered a wonderful group of moms and invited me to talk with them about some of the issues we focus on in the blog. One of the key things that came out of our discussion is how much parent groups can help moms (and [...]
As the new year begins, it is a great time to focus on being involved at your children's school. Here at GCP we can't say enough about the importance of parental involvement in schools. See, for example, our earlier posts "Back to School for Parents", September 13, 2011 and "Parents Resolve to Get More Involved in 2012", January 2, [...]
On this last day of 2013, our thoughts here at GCP turn to what New Year's resolutions we can make about parenting. We've come up with one resolution, which we hope everyone will make: To be focused, conscientious parents in 2014. Sounds good, but the important part of this resolution is figuring out how you will take it to [...]