I'm sad to say that today's is going to be my final blog entry with Boys and Schools.  No worries, the blog will still be here, and you'll still be able to find the news, insight, and discussion that we are so happy to bring you. We have a great team that will be taking over the blog, forum, newsletter, and the rest of the Boys and Schools program.  This is, however, my last day as Director of Boys and Schools, and so I must bid you a fond farewell.  My boys have interrupted the battle between Ironman and Obi-Wan long enough to send their best wishes as well.

I think that one of the things that I will miss most is the time I've spent talking to parents about their concerns for their own sons--as the mother of two young boys, this always touches my own concerns and hopes.  So, as I move on, I'd just like to say a few things to the parents out there worried about their boys and what's going on in their schools:

1.) Stay involved.  Not just in what your son is doing in his own studies, but what is going on in the school and community as well.  Working for widespread, national change through groups like Boys and Schools is one of the best ways to ensure real, permanent change.

2.) Trust your gut.  You know your son better than anyone else.  Don't let yourself get pushed into a plan, program, or diagnosis that makes you uncomfortable--if you have doubts, look at other schools, programs, doctors.  Get a second opinion if the situation calls for one.

3.) Speak up.  Pretty self-explanatory, but there's a lot at stake here.  Let teachers, principals, other parents, politicians, and so on know what's on your mind, what change is needed, and how we can get there.

So there we are.  Thank you for reading me this last couple of years.  I hope that you continue to enjoy our blog, as I'm sure I will.

Cheers,

Malia