Yes, excellent post.

I have read Dr Leonard Sax, Why Gender Matters and Boys Adrift He has some excellent points about boys and raising them. For some, they may seem sexist but the techniques and tips have worked for me. The biggest tip has been talking to my 10 and 7 year boys in an elevated/louder voice. There is a distinction between shouting and a louder voice. There are times when my wife and mother-in-law think I am shouting at them but I get more compliance and obedience than they do.

I'm not a military person but there are some tips and techniques that the military does in its training that works for my boys. One is, that you have to adjust and evaluate what works and what is not working any more. It is a lot work but these are my children - they are worth it. I use a modified time out, even for myself. The 7 year old may get mad and start throwing things. I get up and before I say anything, he will excuse himself and give himself timeout. Then he is calm and I am calm. We can talk about appropriate behavior. Sometimes, I still have to swat him but they are getting fewer.

I don't want to sound like I have the techniques down completely. I still like to read and learn what others are doing and what will work for me. Definitely Mo3, clear boundaries, consistency and follow-through are big keys.

I believe you need to lay a foundation because the 10 year is approaching the teen years and that is a whole other realm of parenting!