Boys Education Series

Time spent outdoors plays an important role in boys’ growth and development. From improving physical health to supporting focus, creativity, and emotional well-being, unstructured time in nature offers benefits that are increasingly important in today’s screen-filled world. In our latest Boys Education Series article, Jr. K – Grade 4 Science Teacher Hans Rydquist explores how outdoor play supports boys’ health, learning, and social-emotional development, while also sharing practical ways families can help boys unplug and reconnect with the natural world.

From small daily changes to major milestones, transitions shape how boys grow, adapt, and build confidence throughout their school years. With thoughtful guidance, these moments can become meaningful opportunities for development. In our latest Boys Education Series article, Associate Head of School Jen Beros shares some practical strategies parents can use to support their sons as they navigate the paths from early childhood through high school.

Understanding how boys learn is essential to helping them thrive in school and in life. From executive functioning to motivation and relationships, boys benefit when adults understand their unique developmental pathways. In our latest Boys Education Series article, Upper School Dean of Students Betsy Coy explores how recognizing boys’ learning styles, offering appropriate support, and fostering strong relationships can empower them to grow with confidence, independence, and purpose.

Throughout our lives, mentors shape who we become. For boys, male mentors can play a unique role in helping them understand strength, compassion, and connection. In our latest Boys Education Series article, middle school social studies teacher, class dean, and wrestling coach, Matt McCarter, explores how authentic relationships with male role models help boys build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.  

In our latest blog, Executive Director of the Young Entrepreneur Institute at University School Ilene Frankel shared her own journey to entrepreneurship, along with tips for parents to spark their own child’s entrepreneur spirit. In this episode, Associate Head of School Jen Beros discusses with Ilene how an entrepreneurial mindset is the spark behind creativity, resilience, and real-world problem solving – helping students turn creativity into action.

In our latest blog, University School Grades 3-4 Learning Specialist Emma Royan and Grades K-2 Learning Specialist Alyx Voytilla shared strategies to help parents recognize and nurture these crucial skills at home every day. In this episode, Associate Head of School Jen Beros continues the conversation with Emma and Alyx as they dive deeper into how these "hidden keys" to success—like time management, organization, and self-regulation—can shape a child’s academic and personal growth.

In our latest blog, University School School Psychologist Erica Evert and School Counselor Leslie Muha shared strategies to help parents manage their worries while intentionally loosening the safety net, empowering children to grow into capable and self-reliant individuals. In this episode, Jen Beros, Associate Head of School at University School, continues the conversation with Erica and Leslie, exploring how parents can balance safety and growth while fostering independence, confidence, and resilience in their children.

In our latest blog, Upper School English Teacher Kevin O’Brien shared insights on using mindfulness to help students build resilience and manage stress. In this episode, Jen Beros, Associate Head of School at University School, speaks with Kevin further about integrating practical mindfulness into daily routines. 

In our latest blog, University School Director of Technology and Libraries, Lisa Ulery, offered solutions to help balance your child’s technology usage. In this episode, Jen Beros, Associate Head of School at University School, speaks with Lisa further about how families and schools are working to help boys develop healthy relationships with technology.

Studies have shown a significant decrease in language learning in the United States. This trend is counter to the known value of learning a second language and exploring its related culture. University School Director of the Upper School Krystopher Perry discusses the opportunities for adolescent boys who find a love of language.

In this episode, Lisa Ulery, Director of Technology and Libraries at University School shares advice on navigating the dangers of online gambling for teenage boys.

Lower School Director Mrs. Lisa Cummings provides valuable insights for raising compassionate, responsible, and resilient individuals.

In this episode, Head of School Mr. Patrick Gallagher discusses practical strategies and valuable insights to help young men navigate stress and anxiety.

In the latest episode of the Boys Education Series, Associate Head of School and Interim Director of College Counseling, Mrs. Jen Beros, shares advice on how to decide between encouraging perseverance and recognizing when it's time to embrace change.

From sports and music to art and science, there is no shortage of activities for children to try. But how do we know when to encourage participation, and how do we help them balance it all? In this episode, University School Jr. K - Grade 8 Enrichment Specialist Mr. Jeff Pierce shares how to support your son in embracing new experiences.

Organization skills play an important role in becoming a successful student and, ultimately, adult. Encouraging these habits early with your son can help him to be prepared for anything that might come his way. In this episode, Gail Ross, Third Grade Team Leader at University School, offers advice on how parents can start small for big results.

Competitive sports in middle and high school can be difficult for parents to navigate. You want to push your son to excel, but it is also important to know when and how to take more of a backseat approach. In this episode, Jon Bridge, Middle School and Varsity Squash Coach and Assistant Head of School for Advancement at University School, offers advice on how parents can best set their son up for success.

Having the latest and greatest tech gadget is often a big deal for boys. With that comes many questions for parents who are considering these devices for their sons. In this episode, Lisa Ulery, Director of Technology and Library Services at University School provides parents with some guidance on managing this important decision.

Gaining emotional intelligence is a lifelong endeavor, but there are methods that we can practice to help our children understand their feelings. In this edition of the Boys Education Series, University School Jr. K - 8 School Psychologist and Student Services Department Chair, Erica Evert, shares six ways to help nurture emotional intelligence in your child.

Being kind is a skill that we can teach and practice with our children–just like sports, language, or math. University School Jr. K-8 School Counselor, Leslie Muha, shares three ways to practice kindness daily.

A reflection for parents and teachers on the book 'We the Leader' by Dr. Jeffrey Spahn and how its lessons can be related to raising young leaders.  

It can be difficult to find the right balance of ambitious aspirations and attainable goals for our children. 

Laying the groundwork early with the framework for healthy relationships can help guide your son through the challenging relationships yet to come in his life. In this episode, University School One Love Foundation faculty advisor, Lisa Ulery, shares the best methods to help support your son in developing healthy relationships.

Narrow perceptions of masculinity and male identity can prevent adolescent boys from confidence in sharing who they are and how they feel. Director of the Center for the Education of Boys and Head Football Coach University School, Mr. Ben Malbasa, shares his experience fostering an environment where boys can be their authentic selves.

Teaching responsibility is similar to teaching a skill in physical education. Both skills need to be broken down into separate steps and practiced before children are able to master it.

Studies have shown that schools that utilize restorative practices see an improvement in classroom behavior. These same methods can be used at home to improve behavior and foster better parent-child relationships.

In a time when teens turn to social media for both entertainment and as a news source, it is more important than ever for them to be able to decipher fact from fiction.

Encouraging boys to develop original writing ideas promotes imagination, creative thinking, observational skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

Though there is much about this school year that is different, parents and teachers can work together to foster a sense of calm and resilience amid the uncertainties of starting school.

It is an interesting predicament when a school that is built on strong relationships between teachers and students is swept into remote teaching and learning. In this episode, University School’s Associate Head of School & Director of College Counseling, Jen Beros, shares how both teachers and parents can work to keep boys connected in mind and heart with their school.

Sports can play an important role in the development of many boys. Apart from the physical and social benefits, there is also a tremendous amount of value to be gained in the leadership, empathy and resilience. In this episode, University School Director of Athletics Jr.K-12, Sean McDonnell, offers some of the enduring lessons of athletic competition.

Screen time and 24-hour connectedness can take a toll on the social-emotional well-being of boys. As parents, we need to create clear expectations while providing a good example. In this episode, Lisa Ulery, Director of Technology and Libraries at University School gives parents some methods for cutting through the virtual clutter.

The sciences, math, English, history, language, athletics, the arts–these areas all play an integral part in boys' education. But what we are ultimately striving for is for them to grow into good men. In this episode, Head of School at University School, Patrick Gallagher, provides some foundational support on character development for boys.

Given that regular and open communication with our sons is essential, how do we encourage our sons to communicate openly with us? In this episode, University School’s Director the Upper School, Dr. William Daughtrey shares how presence and trust can help establish those lines of communication.

Preparing our boys for a future of uncertainty can be an intimidating thought for parents and educators. In this episode, University School’s Academic Dean Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, Dr. William O’Neil suggests an evolved liberal arts education to shape confident, resilient, and dynamic young men.

It is no secret that the world is at our boys’ fingertips and as parents, we want to help our children understand what it means to be a global citizen.

From first days of school to college applications, anxiety comes at boys at every stage of their growth. In this episode, we will hear from Lisa Ulery, Director of Technology and Libraries at University School as she provides strategies to help you and your son deal with the inevitabilities of life.

Summer is here, but not for long. In this episode, we will hear from Dr. Sarah Spannagel, Clinical Psychologist at University Hospital and University School as she explores how we can make sure that our family is ready for when we put away the swimsuits and pull out school books.

The Benefits of Coding for All by University School

Chores are, by definition, routine and typically unpleasant. No one relishes doing these activities and they have suffered witty lashings by insightful social commentators such as Mark Twain. Piquant observations aside, regular chores like taking out the trash, washing the dishes, and cleaning are essential to the development of the minds of young people.

It is no secret that boys and girls tend to approach their friendships differently. Seventh Grade Dean at University School, Brooke Littman understands how boys can develop healthy relationships with their peers that will last a lifetime. In this episode, Brooke shares with you the insight she has gathered in nearly twenty years as a teacher and administrator.

What captures young boys’ musical interests? How do boys learn that music making is so rewarding? Why is “learning through play” so valuable and does every boy really sing? Boys in my classroom learn quickly that the music classroom is a place to have fun. Musicianship is developed while building skills through singing, playing instruments, speech, and movement.

Athletes want to be successful. They want to win and at times are willing to do whatever is necessary to make that a reality. We’ve seen the stories, watched the news, and stared at the images of athletes holding the championship trophies, celebrating the culmination of all the hard work they’ve put forth for that moment, the moment they’ve become champions. Our media-savy children see these messages and, for many, it peaks their interest in athletics. As a parent, you may wonder how to support your young athlete.

It’s nearly the end of summer break, and as you seek structure and relief from the constant Fortnite, SnapChat, and Instagram rotation, you anxiously count down the days until the kids go back to school. Your kids, however, are dreading that day when it starts again.

If you are like me, you can remember so vividly the first moments when your son started to memorize the letters of the alphabet. It seemed like absolute magic as he began to associate letters with sounds, and then string them together to create a word. I remember the pride on my son’s face when he finally got it. If your son felt such accomplishment and wonder in reading then, why is it a battle to get him to read now?

As a college counselor, I often hear from families whose sons are just beginning the college selection process who ask, “What schools should my child visit?” They will mention a certain location tied to an upcoming family trip, or perhaps a major that the student or parents have in mind and they would like to consider schools with strong programs in that field. I will suggest a range of schools, yet families generally choose to visit those with which they are familiar or which have the biggest brand names.

Is your son sleeping through the night? What time does he go to bed? What is his bedtime routine? When is naptime? We are regularly bombarded with analysis of the sleep of our newborn babies and young children from our friends, family members, and pediatricians. Yet, we don’t give the same level of thought and care to this topic for our 8-year olds, 12-year olds, 14-year olds, and 17-year olds!

Many weekends I have emerged triumphantly from under a pile of laundry or work emails and thought, “what an awesomely productive day!” But then, as the silence of the house starts to sink in, my stomach drops as I realize why I have been so productive. My kids had just spent the last four hours playing video games. If you are like me, you may have found yourself cringing at the realization of how much your son plays video games and struggling to navigate how much time is appropriate for him to spend with a controller in hand.

I am the father of three boys, and around the time my youngest was five, an interesting thought began to develop. My wife, Tracy, and I had started to notice that we were raising our third child very differently than our other two, ages twelve and fourteen at the time. We were much more relaxed in bringing up our third, as much of the intensity, fear, and questioning was gone.