by janetedgette | Aug 1, 2025 | Boy behavior, Boys, Masculinity, Parent-Child communication, Parenting, Parenting young children, Sportsmanship
“He’s tough, he’s a boy. He can take it,” says a father about his 6-year-old son, who just got knocked flat on his face by an older brother testing out his brand-new bike. Sure, he can take it. What choice does he have? But “can” is a different experience from... 
by janetedgette | Aug 5, 2024 | Coaching kids and teens, Kids who are afraid to play sports, Kids who don't like sports, Male athletics, Nonathletic boys, Sportsmanship
In the past few years, the training methods and motivational techniques of such notable athletic coaches as Alberto Salazar—American track coach, former world-class long-distance runner, and head coach of the defunct Nike Oregon Project— have come under increased... 
by janetedgette | Jul 26, 2024 | Boys and sports, Coaching kids and teens, Kids who are afraid to play sports, Kids who don't like sports, Male athletics, Masculinity, Nonathletic boys, Sportsmanship, Uncategorized
Where do children go to play sports when they’re just “average”—or worse? KEY POINTS Our aggrandizement of athletic prowess discourages kids from staying with activities unless they excel. Too many kids drop out of favored activities once they... by janetedgette | Jun 20, 2024 | Boy behavior, Boys, Boys and sports, Bullying, Coaching kids and teens, Kids who are afraid to play sports, Kids who don't like sports, Male athletics, Masculinity, Nonathletic boys, Sportsmanship
Photo by Tod Dalley via Flickr In the agonizing moments before their names are called, those last boys picked for the kickball or basketball team during gym, or its un-legislated twin—recess—are getting a tutorial in what it means to be considered a liability.... by janetedgette | Jul 9, 2017 | Boys and sports, Kids who are afraid to play sports, Kids who don't like sports, Male athletics, Masculinity, Nonathletic boys, Sportsmanship
You’re getting ready to load your son and his gear into the car and notice that he’s gone back into the house for what must be his fifteenth trip to the bathroom. When he comes out, his eyes are red and watery. He tells you that he doesn’t feel well.... by janetedgette | Mar 7, 2017 | Boys, Boys and sports, Bullying, Coaching kids and teens, Kids who are afraid to play sports, Kids who don't like sports, Male athletics, Masculinity, Nonathletic boys, Parent-Child communication, Parenting, Self-esteem, Sportsmanship
You are teaching him… that you respect him, even if you don’t understand his choices. that you will listen closely to what he says and take it at face value. that it pays to speak up. that he doesn’t have to disguise his real feelings in order to gain or...