While males make up half of the population, they hardly receive half the attention they

very much need. As we watch them through their early life stages, all through to
adolescence, we tend to either overlook their actions, or scrutinize them in hopes of
altering them to our societal liking. Both extremes are essentially problematic.
Understanding males - especially boys - and their instinctual behavior is, ultimately, the
healthiest approach. Whilst trying to unravel boys crises, we need to comprehend their
short attention span, their basic, innate emotional habits, and their abundant energy.
Boys can rarely keep their attention focused on a singular matter, which is why a
significant number of boys have been diagnosed with ADD. Kantrowitz, and Kalb
(1998), state, Until recently, girls got all the attention. But boys need help too. The are
much more likely thank girls to have discipline problems at school and to be diagnosed
with attention deficit disorder (ADD).(n.p.) Additionally, its been suggested that since
boys have high levels of neurotransmitter serotonin, which essentially triggers
impetuousness, boys are more inclined to have ADD. (Kantrowitz and Kalb, 1998.) Thus,
implying that boys short attention span could be directly related to how theyre
chemically programmed, and leading to the belief that perhaps many boys are, indeed,
misdiagnosed. Glazer, 1999, suggests,
The typical boy with ADD may yell out impulsively, talk too much, act
disorganized or be forgetful. But these behaviors are so close to those
exhibited by emotionally healthy boys that it is often difficult even for
trained professionals to make a diagnosis. (n.p.)
One of boys most prominent, innate emotional habits is repressing them altogether. From
the day of dawn, theyve been taught that showing any signs of emotions diminishes their
masculinity, as Kantrowitz and Kalb (1998), state, Little boys, who display a great deal
of tenderness, soon begin to bury it with big boy behavior to avoid being called
sissies. (n.p.) The notion that showing emotions is indirectly proportional to manhood is
false, as it only results in anger management issues, educational issues, as well as
psychological issues. (Glazer, 1999.)
Naturally, boys are wired with an unparalleled amount of energy spikes. Statistically,
boys happen to be much more energetic, and zealous than girls, which eventually gets
them into trouble, as its perceived as lack of discipline. (Glazer, 1999.) Their abundant
enthusiasm gets them into even far more troubles than discipline-wise. Glazer (1999),
suggests, Boys natural boisterousness is often misunderstood, critics say, by American
schools predominantly female teachers who interpret normal boy behavior as discipline
problems, attention disorders, or learning disabilities.
We can help overcome the stigma around boys short attention span by creating an
environment where their impulsive behavior is carefully recognized. Glazer, 1999, says,
Diagnoses of ADD are often initiated by classroom teachers and school
guidance counselors overwhelmed by chaotic, over-crowded classrooms.
In a classroom properly designed for boys temperament and energy
levels, many of these behaviors would not even attract a teachers
attention. (n.p.)

Helping young boys become in touch with their emotions, and their feelings is very
important so that they could grow older without having traumas, from emotional
detachment. Thats where the parents work come in; they have to peacefully discuss any
and all problems so that their will benefit from it. Dana and Frank Minaya from New
York claim that theyve always resolved debacles with their son, Walter, calmly and
civilly by establishing a meeting whenever any debacle arises. As well as allowing Walter
explore his emotions through a hug at the end of each meeting. Hence forth, that resulted
in Walter being transparent with his parents, as he wishes to hear all pieces of advice
theyve got to offer. (Kantrowitz and Kalb, 1998.)
Recognizing the fact that boys are naturally more likely to show signs of excitement is
very crucial whilst teaching a class, to make boys feel more accepted and more
comfortable in their own skin. Kantrowitz and Kalb (1998), suggest, Parents can
channel their sons energy into constructive activities, like team sports.
Finally, its crucial for us to celebrate boys for their differences instead of excluding them
out because of them. We all have individual characteristics that contribute into who we
are, and we have to accept them all, as a community. Some characteristics are general,
such as having a short attention span, repressing ones own emotions, and showing a
great deal of excitement, and some are more specific. Nonetheless, we should lift people
upwards towards their passion.