Understanding Boys
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Engaging our boys in school and life
Understanding BoysWhen we think about our children being “engaged” at school, it’s easy to picture a classroom of students sitting quietly, focused on their work. But true engagement is much more than that. It’s about how students think, feel and act in their learning – and it plays a powerful role in both their academic success […]
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Raising boys who are strong and kind
Understanding BoysFor parents of teenage boys today, the conversation about masculinity can feel confusing. Online voices compete loudly for attention, and not all of them are healthy influences. The recent documentary Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere, offers a timely reminder of the environment many boys are navigating. The film explores the “manosphere” – a network of […]
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When boys begin to push away
Understanding BoysThe teenage years are an exciting and often unpredictable chapter for boys. Almost overnight, they seem taller, louder, hungrier – and far more certain about their opinions. Adolescence brings significant physical, social and emotional changes, and with those changes comes a growing desire for independence. It’s common for boys to test boundaries and begin asserting […]
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Why are routines so important?
Understanding BoysWhy are routines important? Routines play a powerful role in helping boys feel secure, capable and ready to learn. While childhood can be full of change and excitement, predictable daily patterns provide a steady foundation that supports boys both emotionally and academically. Research shows that stable routines are strongly linked with positive outcomes for children. […]
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Summer Holiday Reads
Understanding BoysReading is one of the easiest and most valuable ways to support boys’ learning and wellbeing. For younger boys, sharing books builds language, imagination, and a love of stories, while giving you a chance to slow down together. As boys grow, reading boosts vocabulary, comprehension and confidence, and helps them develop creativity and empathy. With […]
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A fresh start: Helping boys navigate Australia’s new social media ban
Understanding BoysAustralia is preparing for a major shift in the digital lives of young people. From 10 December, children under 16 will be removed from eight major social media platforms, including Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. This world-first move aims to protect young adolescents from harmful content, addictive design features and the pressures of online life […]
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Navigating parenting advice in a noisy world
Understanding BoysParenting has always come with questions, doubts and moments of “Am I doing this right?”, but today’s parents face a unique challenge – an endless stream of opinions, articles, podcasts, experts, influencers and well-meaning voices telling us how to raise happy, healthy boys. With so much information at our fingertips, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. […]
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Why quality sleep matters for your teenage son
Understanding BoysWhen it comes to helping your teenage son thrive – academically, emotionally and socially – sleep is one of the most important yet often overlooked foundations. Research shows that adolescents aged 14-17 should be getting 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. However, many Australian teens fall short: for instance, it’s estimated that around […]
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Helping teenage boys unplug and thrive
Understanding BoysIn today’s digital age, screens dominate teenagers’ lives – predominately social apps, streaming and messaging. But new policies and research signal that it might be time for a reset. From 10 December 2025, Australia will enforce a world-first law that stops children under 16 from holding social media accounts. According to the government’s eSafety regulations, […]
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Inspiring boys to get out and get active
Understanding BoysBeing active is so important for children and young people to be healthy, happy and to develop good habits for life. Encouraging our boys to get out there and experience life to its fullest can sometimes be a challenge and the pull of devices and screen time is ever present for many families. So, what […]