Rosalind Wiseman's Blog, page 69
June 11, 2009
“Like a Boy” by Ciara
“Like a Boy” was one of several hits off of Ciara’s album Ciara: The Evolution, which debuted in late 2006. But even though “Like a Boy” is several years old at this point, it’s still one of our favorite videos for starting a discussion about gender roles and cultural expectations for young men and women. As a teacher (or a parent) one of the best things about this video if you want to use popular culture in the classroom is that it contains no explicit content. The dancing, lyrics, and clothing
June 9, 2009
Is Another Kid’s Sex Life My Business?
Rosalind answers a question from a mom who heard a rumor about another girl in her daughter’s class being sexually active. She wonders if she should share this information with the girl’s parent since she would want to know about her own daughter, or if all of this is none of her business.
Eminem, Misogyny and the Sounds of Silence
Eminem is back and once again looming large over the pop cultural landscape. On the occasion of the release of his new album, Relapse, his full-length, full-color image appears literally larger than life on billboards in major cities from New York to Los Angeles, not to mention cities all over the world. Although the album itself has received mixed reviews, the elite arbiters of cultural taste and artistic merit have given the rapper’s return the red carpet treatment.
The New York Times r
A Sigh of Relief About the ‘End of Over-Parenting’
I am so glad Lisa Belkin wrote the article the “End of Over-Parenting” in last week’s New York Times. As someone who works with parents and a mother of two sons, 6 and 8, Belkin’s take is refreshing, overdue, and one I hope parents take to heart. In fact, I’m going to take it as an opportunity to self-reflect.
I am more than fairly confident that no one in my family or group of friends would ever describe me as a helicopter parent. But it does insidiously influence me as I often bounce between gu
Farewell to Middle School!
Today is my last day with the students at Apex Middle School. I have been with them for three years and have thoroughly enjoyed every most moments with them. I’ve always said it’s the adults that make my work difficult (and I am not speaking of parents either.) A few months ago a position became available at one of our feeder high schools. I interviewed, was offered the position, and without hesitation I accepted. I feel fortunate to follow them to high school, as most of our student
June 4, 2009
No Guys Like Me!
Rosalind answers a question from a 14 year-old girl who is concerned because she’s never had a boyfriend. It makes her feel bad about herself when she sees her friends flirting with and dating guys. Is there something wrong with her or is this normal?
May 27, 2009
Speaking Out on Segregated Proms
Over the weekend I read “A Prom Divided” by Sara Corbett in the New York Times Magazine. In it she describes an annual tradition at a public high school in Montgomery County, Georgia—racially segregated proms. While you may read this and be rightfully shocked that something like this is possible in 2009, I think this story reflects issues that are alive and well in many communities across the country.
The people who are most vocal about keeping the proms the way they currently operate are the whi
May 26, 2009
The Pool Party Paradox
Rosalind answers a question from a mom whose son is overweight, shy, and very anxious about attending an upcoming school pool party to get to know his future classmates. Should she make him go so that he can get to know people, or respect the fact that he’s uncomfortable and let him skip it?
Sexting & Social Competency
Rosalind answers a question from a mom whose 14 year old daughter just sexted a topless photo of herself to a bunch of boys in her grade. She has difficulty understanding social cues and mom is concerned she has not learned from the experience.
Should Girls Make the First Move?
Rosalind answers a question from a girl who is desperate for her first kiss but doesn’t know how to make it happen. Should she make the first move? And what is the guy feeling about all of this?
