If these three are strong, any boy can thrive in the midst of academic and athletic challenges, a toxic culture, and harmful peer pressure. So set aside for the moment thinking of your son in terms of his grades or his athletic performance. Think of him as a person, complete and whole. He has, like any of us, deep needs that have to be met, and if we as parents don't meet them, his character and the decisions he makes will be up for grabs; they'll be shaped by the people who do. The most important people in a boy's life are his parents. You should never feel powerless with your son. No one is more important to him than you are.
Your son needs more time with you: time to talk and time to play. He needs less Internet time, more outdoor time. He needs to know that God exists and that his life is no accident. He needs - and wants - the benefit of your wisdom, life experience and maturity."
- Meg Meeker, M.D., from the book Boys Should Be Boys: Secrets to Raising Healthy Sons
