3 skills every middle school boy needs | Jerome Hunter

Redefining masculinity among middle school boys requires shifting from restrictive stereotypes toward a more holistic, empathetic framework. Middle school serves as a pivotal, impressionable period where students can actively reject harmful norms by practicing three core skills: confidence, communication, and community. Confidence involves embracing a "both-and" identity, allowing boys to be both empathetic and strong, rather than choosing between binary traits. Communication methods, such as daily check-ins and gratitude journaling, help students process emotions and build interpersonal connections. Finally, community engagement—exemplified by student-led projects like building tiny houses for the homeless—fosters a sense of belonging and collective responsibility. By modeling these behaviors, educators and mentors can guide young men toward a more just and equitable future, proving that middle schoolers possess the potential to lead meaningful societal change.