The Fessy Den Blog

‘That’s for Girls’: How Parents Can Encourage Sons to Pursue Their Interests and Ignore Stereotypes

Leave a Comment | December 18, 2015

Does this scenario sound familiar? You invite your young son to join you and your daughter for a movie, and he responds, “I’m not going to see that movie; it’s for girls.” While some parents may wince at that statement, others may be fine with it, and your personal reaction will define where you are on the gender-neutral parenting spectrum. Though some parents still believe...
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Raising Boys: 10 Reads for Understanding and Promoting Your Son’s Development

1 Comment | December 15, 2015

Parenting books on how to raise and teach children are a dime a dozen—and it can be difficult to determine which are truly the most helpful and relevant. With so many different, complicated aspects of a young boy’s life, parents often find they need additional resources to help them along. The 10 books below explore more than just teaching techniques. With a focus on boys,...
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Country Clubs for 4-Year-Olds: 5 Myths About Private School Education for Boys

2 Comments | December 11, 2015

To some parents, the idea of sending their son to an all-boys private school as early as pre-kindergarten seems a bit unusual. They worry their son will be too “coddled” for his own good at what may look like a “country club for 4-year-olds.” Or, the complete opposite may be true.  Parents may worry their son will be treated too severely, in a demanding environment...
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Spider at Drop Off

Leave a Comment | November 27, 2015

Directing traffic is Spider’s focus, and safety is his concern. Ensuring that cars follow the expected procedures to keep boys out of harm’s way, and that parents are given clear directions to make that happen has become second nature for him. He has been a reliable presence each morning for many of his more than thirty years at Fessenden.
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Boarding in Middle School? Three Factors You Haven’t Considered

Leave a Comment | November 20, 2015

When families explore the idea of boarding school at the middle school level, questions–and, sometimes, eyebrows–are raised. It’s an emotional decision, charged with concerns about a boy’s academic experience and personal support. If you’re a parent in this position, here are three factors you’ll want to be sure to consider. Support in “the quiet moments.” It’s true: A ...
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Overheard in the Wings

Leave a Comment | November 18, 2015

Having had the opportunity to be backstage at many of Fessenden’s performances, I can safely say that the activity behind the curtain is often as entertaining as what’s happening on stage.
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Six Things Any School Could do to Help Boys Thrive

1 Comment | November 13, 2015

At a recent lecture hosted by The Fessenden School, respected child psychologist Dr. Anthony Rao confirmed that many boys are struggling to succeed in both public and private schools. Dr. Rao explains that there’s nothing “wrong” with boys. The problem arises because boys and girls learn differently and most educational environments are designed for the way girls learn instead of what works best for boys.
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