What's Going on with Boys?!? Speaker David Panush Leads Enlightening Parent Ed Session

On Thursday, February 26, more than 50 Indian Creek School parents gathered for an evening that blended research, reflection, and real connection and conversation. As part of the 2025–26 Parent Education Series hosted by the ICS Center for Community & Well-Being, parents of students from Pre-K through Grade 12 came together to explore a timely and thought-provoking topic: What’s Going on With Boys?!

The session, led by educator and author David Panush of the Edmund Burke School, invited parents to look closely at the academic, social, and digital landscapes boys are navigating today. Panush, who has more than 28 years of experience working with adolescents, drew on current research, national data, and practical strategies to spark conversation and offer guidance.

Panush began by examining educational outcomes, sharing “Boys are not doing as well as girls at school … and they know it!” He shared research on GPA distribution and college graduation trends, highlighting a significant gender shift over time. While data provided context, the heart of the evening focused on understanding boys as whole human beings rather than statistics.

Panush explored neurological development from kindergarten through adolescence, encouraging parents to consider how maturity timelines can influence classroom expectations and diagnoses. Panush cited research suggesting that age-based testing may contribute to the perception of learning gaps, prompting thoughtful discussion about readiness and labeling.

He also addressed what he called “The Digital Pits”, contrasting high-risk online environments with the “Analog Peak” of embodied, face-to-face experiences. Parents received practical tools, including recommendations for supporting boys online and “Healthy Tech Tips for Students,” which encouraged young people to use technology as a tool rather than becoming the tool of technology. The message was clear: boys benefit from strong real-world connections, clear boundaries, and open conversations about algorithms, gaming, body image, and online influence.

Throughout the evening, Panush returned to a central theme of connection and affirmation. Drawing from the book Raising Cain, by Dan Kindlon and (previous ICS Parent Ed speaker) Michael Thompson, he emphasized the importance of giving boys permission to experience and express the full range of human emotions. He encouraged adults to model emotional courage, celebrate healthy masculinity, and use discipline to build character rather than distance.

Parents were invited to participate in interactive “Boy Stories” reflections, sharing both success stories and challenging moments they've had with their male children/students. The room buzzed with small-group discussions centered on a guiding question: How might we help boys flourish? 

Panush concluded with a “One Thing” commitment, asking each participant to identify a single action they would take as a result of the workshop. It was a fitting close to a session rooted not only in research, but in relationships.

The goal of the Indian Creek School Parent Education Series is for families to leave with information, support, and resources to help our students thrive. On February 26, they also left with shared language, practical strategies, and a renewed sense that raising boys well is a collective effort. This session was a valuable piece of a broader commitment at Indian Creek School to understand students deeply and partner closely with families in helping every child thrive.

Click here to view the What's Going on with Boys?!? slideshow presentation.
Click here to view some recommended resources for families.
Click here to view a Parental Rules and Controls Technology Rubric.

Please mark your calendars for our spring Parent Education Session, in conjunction with the Upper School Musical Mean Girls: Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman. A book discussion and musical sneak peed on Tuesday, April 21, from 6:00 - 7:30 P.M., followed by the performance and a talk-back with the cast on Saturday, April 25, at 3:00 p.m. Click here for more information.