Welcome to my blog! I couldn’t be more excited about my 8-year-old grandson Luca’s newfound passion for cross country running. As someone who didn’t discover the joys of running until later in life, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join Luca on training runs and local 5K races. We already have one race booked for October, and I can’t wait to see him develop a healthy habit that will hopefully last a lifetime.
But my excitement goes beyond just running. I see this as a chance to be a supportive and positive male role model for Luca, a role that research suggests can have a profound impact on boys’ development. In a world where boys are facing increasing challenges, the presence of loving fathers, grandfathers, and other male figures is more important than ever.
With a growing consensus that boys are at risk, it’s clear that we all have a role to play in shaping the future of the boys in our lives. This call to action extends to men of all ages, urging us to be actively involved in the well-being and success of the young men around us.
Understanding the Crisis Facing Boys
The American Institute for Boys and Men highlights the struggles boys are facing in education, where they have fallen behind girls in academic achievement. From lower GPAs to higher dropout rates, boys are facing significant challenges that can have lasting effects on their well-being.
These educational gaps are just the beginning. Boys also face higher rates of suicide and are more likely to experience major health and social problems later in life. It’s clear that the crisis facing boys is multifaceted and demands our attention.
Provided Image/Louis Bezich
Louis Bezich with his grandson Luca.
One of the root causes of these challenges is the perpetuation of harmful gender stereotypes within the educational system. Boys are often penalized for behavior that is overlooked in girls, leading to a range of negative outcomes, from failing grades to misdiagnoses of behavioral disorders.
Potential Solutions to the Crisis
Experts like Richard Reeves suggest specific actions that educators and parents can take to address the gender gaps in education. From delaying boys’ entry into school to recruiting more male teachers, there are steps we can all take to support the well-being of boys.
Initiatives like hands-on learning and increased opportunities for relationship building can help create a more supportive environment for boys to thrive in school and beyond.
A Call to Action
The crisis facing boys today is urgent and demands a collective response. As parents, grandparents, and male stakeholders, we have a role to play in shaping a better future for boys. By being positive role models and advocates for change, we can help address the challenges boys face and support their growth and development.
So, I encourage you to take a closer look at the boys in your life. Find ways to connect with them, whether through sports or other activities, and show them that you are there to support and guide them. It may just be the most important thing you do for them — and for yourself.
Louis Bezich, senior vice president and chief administrative officer at Cooper University Health Care, is author of “Crack The Code: 10 Proven Secrets that Motivate Healthy Behavior and Inspire Fulfillment in Men Over 50.” Read more from Louis on his website.