Lessons for a Ninth Grade Son

You are about to embark on life clinging to the lowest rung of a well-organized social food chain. A ninth grade boy occupies the bottom spot in a pecking order that was established many generations ago. You will inevitably rise from this spot. But do not be in too much of a hurry, there is much to be learned as a basement dweller.

1. Learn to be one of the good guys.

There are good guys and bad guys and it can be easier to distinguish between them when you don’t travel amongst them. Watch t...