StC News
StC Focuses on Boys' Well-Being
Dr. Matt Englar-Carlson, a national expert on boys, visits StC
We’ve been incredibly fortunate to host Dr. Matt Englar-Carlson this week! StC’s Center for the Study of Boys organized the visit, and we’ve been thrilled to host such an engaging international expert. Englar-Carlson spent three days with our parents, faculty, staff, and students in a series of inspiring conversations about supporting boys' well-being.
Englar-Carlson, a counseling professor at California State University, Fullerton, and director of the Center for Boys and Men, shared insights on the changing emotional landscape for boys and modern ideas of healthy masculinity.
“Good men are all around us,” said Englar-Carlson, speaking to Upper School boys. Emphasizing the importance of friendships and social connection for men and boys, he encouraged students to build and maintain relationships in order to be happy and positive role models as they grow up. “Your health and wellness throughout your life are related to the quality of your friendships, the people around you,” he said. “These people you meet here can be your friends for life.”
Wednesday night, Englar-Carlson led a parent-focused presentation in Ryan Recital Hall, where he shared findings on boys' emotional development, social dynamics, personal identity, physical health, and how they all connect. A student panel from the Center of the Study of Boys advisory board joined him to explore these ideas and ask questions.
"With boys in particular, what you model is what they follow," he said in an interview with StC. "By being present for them, they are more able to be present, too." While modern life can feel busy for many people, Englar-Carlson believes it's particularly important to be intentional about simply spending time with boys and creating space for them. "It's one of our biggest challenges, but it's about making time, creating these blocks for the moments that really matter," he said. "In those moments when you're present, that's when the magic happens."
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