Michael Reichert says that just as we no longer believe a girl’s destiny is set by her biology, we need to think the same about boys. The old “boys will be boys” notion of masculinity is not inherent in their DNA.
That and our understanding of how boys learn are among the many things Reichert, the founding director of the Center for the Study of Boys’ and Girls’ Lives at the University of Pennsylvania, says people need to change if we are to raise a new generation of men who can form strong relationships without falling into the macho stereotypes and sexist behaviors of the past.
Reichert dives further into the subject on the latest episode of The Modern Dads Podcast. He discusses the findings in his new book, How to Raise a Boy: The Power of Connection to Build Good Men, along with how parents can talk to boys about the #MeToo movement and gender equality.
Since 1984, Reichert has maintained a clinical practice in the Philadelphia area that specializes in working with boys, men and their families. In addition to direct patient care, he has served as the supervising psychologist at an independent boys’ school and has had the opportunity there to create and lead a program designed to enhance boys’ emotional literacy.
In addition to How to Raise a Boy, Reichert has publish numerous articles and several books. These include the books Reaching Boys, Teaching Boys: Lessons About What Works — and Why and I Can Learn From You: Boys as Relational Learners. He currently writes a column for Psychology Today.
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