Manisha Snoyer converses with Dr. Leonard Sax about his perspective on the unique challenges and nuances of educating boys. Through his extensive research and experience, Dr. Sax discusses the developmental differences between boys and girls, highlighting the alarming trend of unmotivated boys and underachieving young men in the current educational landscape. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these differences for effective teaching and parenting and how social media impacts children's learning and behavior. The conversation also explores the role of parental authority in decision-making around schooling and health and the role of age-appropriate educational approaches. Additionally, the episode touches on homeschooling, considering its feasibility and potential benefits in catering to boys' specific educational needs. This comprehensive discussion with Dr. Sax offers valuable insights into gender-specific developmental needs in education and parenting, providing listeners with thoughtful strategies for nurturing their children's growth and learning. Dr. Leonard Sax is a renowned family physician and psychologist, acclaimed for his expertise in child and adolescent development. He is the author of several influential books, including "Why Gender Matters" and "The Collapse of Parenting," which delve into the complexities of parenting, education, and gender differences in children's development. His work is pivotal in shaping modern perspectives on raising and educating children.
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Time Codes
00:00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and Dr. Leonard Sax by Manisha Snoyer.
00:01:31 - Overview of Dr. Sax's expertise and work in child and adolescent development.
00:02:49 - Discussion on the academic achievement gap between men and women.
00:07:19 - The reasons behind the gender gap in educational attainment.
00:13:27 - Boys' attitudes towards education and school's appeal to them.
00:20:56 - Exploring gender differences and their impact on children's choices.
00:31:11 - Discussion on the differences in brain development between boys and girls.
00:35:17 - Exploring the right age for teaching phonics and handwriting.
00:40:01 - Comparing Finnish and American education systems.
00:44:22 - The impacts of early learning and parental expectations.
00:47:43 - Parental authority in school choice decisions.
00:50:15 - The rise of obesity in children and parental control over diet.
00:53:19 - The importance of parent-child relationships.
00:54:18 - Concluding thoughts on authority and freedom in homeschooling.
This podcast is made possible through a generous grant from the Vela Education Fund
VELA Education Fund is catalyzing a vibrant alternative education ecosystem. VELA provides trust-based funding to entrepreneurs, fosters community-building and knowledge-sharing, and increases visibility through storytelling that promotes cultural awareness and acceptance of the out-of-system space. Today, VELA serves the largest community of out-of-system education entrepreneurs in the country, with over 2,000 community members. About half of VELA’s community members operate small learning environments, and the other half are ecosystem and community builders offering direct services and support across the out-of-system space. Learn more at
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