Dr. Leonard Sax, a renowned author who has spoken at over 500 schools worlwide and published the books Boys Adrift, Girls on the Edge and The Collapse of Parenting spoke on March 13th at St. John Bosco Schools. He explained how the culture can have a negative impact on family life and especially in the development of healthy boys and girls. His and others' research point to gentle/permisive parenting as well as lack of intrafamily connections, many times brought about by a disorderly use of media, as part of the problem. Solutions as simple as frequent (ideally daily) family dinners and delaying gratification to foster self-control were shown to have a large impact on children development. Parental authority at home and parental support of teachers were also discussed. Other useful insights can be found in Dr. Sax's books.

As you know, part of Chesterton Academy's mission is to work with families to "raise a generation of joyful leaders and saints educated in the classical liberal arts tradition and the truths of the Catholic faith". We all play a part.

We thank St. John Bosco for hosting Dr. Sax and encourage parents to continue to take advantage of similar opportunities offered by both institutions in the near future.

Family Dinners, Communication, and Mental Health in Canadian Adolescents. Elgar, Frank J. et al. Journal of Adolescent Health, Volume 52, Issue 4, 433 - 438