Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens 246: My Son is Becoming Sexist. How Do I Stop This?
Nov 18, 2025
Seventh-grade boys face unique developmental challenges that can lead to feelings of inadequacy and susceptibility to harmful influences. The discussion highlights how school environments may unintentionally favor girls, leaving boys feeling overlooked. Strategies for parents include fostering open communication and encouraging confidence through diverse activities. Insights into how figures like Andrew Tate exploit these vulnerabilities are shared, emphasizing the importance of supportive role models in boys' lives. Understanding these dynamics can help guide boys through critical developmental phases.
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Mom's Letter: Son Says School Favours Girls
- A worried mom wrote that her seventh-grade son claimed year-end awards were given mostly to girls and accused the school of sexism.
- He reacted strongly and tearfully when his mother challenged his view, prompting her concern about emerging sexism.
Puberty Timing Creates Real Classroom Gaps
- Girls typically hit puberty ~2 years earlier than boys, giving them physical and neurological advantages in middle school.
- This timing gap often makes seventh-grade boys feel developmentally behind and frustrated.
Puberty Acts As A Neurological Upgrade
- Pubertal brain changes prune unused neurons and create efficiency, producing sudden cognitive gains.
- Girls' earlier neurological gains help them outperform boys in class tasks during early adolescence.
