Old-School Parenting for Modern-Day Families

Gender

Gender: Why “Self-Identification” Is Not Enough

Michael Mascolo Ph.D. on September 2, 2019

The disturbing case of Jessica Yaniv illustrates the perils of defining gender simply as a form of self-identification.

Suicide

What Jeffrey Epstein’s Suicide Reveals About Justice

Michael Mascolo Ph.D. on August 11, 2019

The accused sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein is dead. So why do we feel that justice has not been done?

Gender

Time to Move Beyond "Gender Is Socially Constructed"

Michael Mascolo Ph.D. on July 31, 2019

Why discussions of gender can become confusing, contradictory and downright incoherent.

Friends

When Parents and Children Disagree about College

Michael Mascolo Ph.D. on April 3, 2016

Are you and your child having trouble deciding on a college? Here's a way out.

Attention

The Collapse of Values and My Local Car Dealership

Michael Mascolo Ph.D. on August 16, 2015

What an efficient group of employees! Then why do I feel so bad?

Education

I Used to Be Such a Good Teacher...

Michael Mascolo Ph.D. on July 31, 2015

Delivering a lecture is easy. Teaching is hard.

Alcoholism

I Hate Multiple Choice

Michael Mascolo Ph.D. on July 27, 2015

What do multiple choice tests measure? Is that what we want to know?

Punishment

I May Be a Jackass, But I Can Be Taught to Care

Michael Mascolo Ph.D. on July 23, 2015

A jackass is an ornery animal. You can lead it to water, but you can't make it drink. Are kids the same way?

Education

Why "Making Learning Fun" Fails

Michael Mascolo Ph.D. on July 21, 2015

What happens if we teach children that learning is supposed to be fun?

Embarrassment

Don’t Be Shameless! Why Good People Feel Bad Emotions

Michael Mascolo Ph.D. on July 15, 2015

We tend to protect our children from shame. Should we?

Sex

An Open Letter to Teens and Parents About Sex

Michael Mascolo Ph.D. on July 9, 2015

Sexual desire is about pleasure, right? Well, it's not quite so simple.

Teamwork

What "My Child Won't Cooperate!" Really Means

Michael Mascolo Ph.D. on June 20, 2015

We often hear parents say, "My child won't do what I ask! He just won't cooperate!" Maybe it's because we are lying to ourselves about what we really want.

Self-Esteem

The Purple Dinosaur Was Wrong!

Michael Mascolo Ph.D. on May 28, 2015

Barney has done a lot of damage.

Motivation

What Really Motivates Kids

Michael Mascolo Ph.D. on May 22, 2015

What really motivates kids (and adults for that matter)? Not rewards. Not punishments. Not even intrinsic motivation! My goodness -- what's left?

Parenting

The Failure of Child-Centered Parenting

Michael Mascolo Ph.D. on May 15, 2015

Parents love their children. So why wouldn't they want to be child-centered?

Parenting

Parenting With Attitude

Michael Mascolo Ph.D. on May 15, 2015

I love you kid, but I'm not your buddy...