Boys learn differently from girls, and they may actually need more one-on-one time when it comes to doing homework and receiving encouragement to push through tough assignments.  This seems very logical to me, and with all the focus on how girls are falling behind, I’m glad to see that we are not tossing our young males aside, assuming they only need food and money to survive.  This article in USA Weekend provide some highlights from a new book, “The Minds of Boys: Saving Our Sons From Falling Behind in School and Life,” by Michael Gurian.  He offers some intriguing tips on raising boys.  Parents should make sure that boys in particular have multiple people they can rely on as mentors and guides.  Boys learn better through doing with someone they know and trust, and that person may not be a parent.  So, take the time to learn who their teachers and athletic coaches are, because these folks could be your son’s best friend during a rough patch.  Gurian also says to go through your son’s homework with him every night.  Even though he might complain at first, he craves the attention, and he really needs that time with you.  Finally, make sure your boy has a good diet.  Protein will help him think more clearly, and possibly perform better in school.

We posted some comments from Laura Bush on this topic in May, and the idea seems to be getting traction.  Boys will not raise themselves, and though we have been socialized to believe boys don’t need much attention, they in fact, need our nurturing just as much as girls do.  Thanks to USA Weekend for publishing this short blurb to remind us of our sons’ needs and provide tactical solutions to help.