I think that giving mindless praise is ridiculous. But I understand why parents do it. They want their kids to feel good about themselves. But parents are never going to teach their children true, positive self esteem by praising everything they do.

When I tell people I work to stop hazing in high schools I am almost always met with shocked expressions. "High school? Really? I thought that was something that only arrogant frat guys do in college." But it's true - as long as I have worked on preventing bullying in high schools, I have worked to prevent hazing.

See, at a certain point it becomes cool to be boy crazy. That happens in sixth grade, and it gives you so much social status, particularly in an all-girls school, if you can go up and talk to boys.

Mothers and fathers do really crazy things with the best of intentions.

Boys and boys' body image and clothes have become just as important an issue for boys as for girls.

Nobody ever talks about the mean things that girls do to each other.

You can't make someone be your best friend.