How many times a day do I tell my son what to do next?

In this rebroadcast from 2015, our Head of Middle School Andrew Reed offers his ideas on cultivating an environment at home (and in the classroom) where boys can develop their own academic will. This entails not only greater freedom but also—just as necessary—a close and reliable family bond. Mr. Reed explains how this counterintuitive pair works together to teach a boy to choose the good for himself.

Chapters:

6:32 The will: a marker for success

9:02 Overmanaging: telling them what to do

10:54 Boys grow from experience and challenge

12:33 The indifferent boy

14:43 Prompt the will with a question

17:31 Create an environment of freedom

20:16 But keep a close family bond

22:33 Manage the influences

24:21 A parenting examination of conscience

27:10 Patience and optimism

29:00 The will, freedom, and good academic habits

Links:

Developing Academic Habits: A Guide for Parents by Andrew Reed

The Key to Success? Grit, a TED Talk by Angela Lee Duckworth, May 2013 (transcript here)

Also on the Forum:

Academic Habits and a Student's Developing Will by Andrew Reed

Featured Opportunities:

Convivium for Teaching Men at The Heights School (November 13-15, 2025)