Something scary is happening to boys today. From kindergarten to college, they are less resilient and less ambitious than they were a mere 20 years ago. Fully one-third of men ages 22 to 34 are still living at home with their parents, about a 100 percent increase in the past 20 years. Boys nationwide are increasingly dropping out of school; fewer are going to college.
I found this book to be a very helpful insight into the challenges facing our boys and young men.
For as long as I can remember, we have raised our boys/young men with the mindset of “Boys Will Be Boys”, but in this day and age, we really need to pay attention to the “issues” and “challenges” facing our young men.
“Boys Adrift” will help you to realize what they are facing and what we can do to help.
Boys Adrift by Leonard Sax
On college campuses in 2011
- 60% females
- 40% males
Females receive higher honors at every level
Boys today have ½ the sperm count and more bone brittleness of boys just a generation ago
5 factors driving the growing apathy and lack of motivation in boys are:
- (1) changes at school
- (2) boys and girls differ in their desire to please teachers and authority figures
- (3) Overprescribing of medications
- (4) Endocrine disruptions
- (5) Lack of positive male role models
In Finland, children don’t begin school until 7 years of age
Average 5 year old boy has the brain development of a 3 ½ year old girl
Starting children later in school is advantageous
“The Will to Power”: Boys tend to do activities that give them a sense of control (video games) and developing a sense of balance is crucial from them
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
