Join us live on Wednesday 11th November, 1pm AEDT / 12pm AEST
...or watch the replay any time.
Tween and teen boys often feel like school (and life) is a war zone, and statistically our teen boys continue to struggle more through secondary school than our girls.
These struggles spill over into our families and homes, and the high-school years can be a turbulent time all round.
School reluctance and “school can’t” is continuing to be problematic, impacting grades and wellbeing, and boys’ disengagement has been a common issue for a very long time. Many schools are doing an excellent job supporting boys in this space but there are still plenty that struggle. Knowing how to support these lads at home and in school with key knowledge and strategies that work is so important.
In this masterclass, Maggie Dent is joined by educator, coach and ‘boy whisperer’ Tim French to share their perspective on what our tween and teen boys really need from their parents and teachers in order to thrive.
Maggie and Tim agree that our boys don’t need ‘fixing’. They need understanding, connection, clear boundaries, responsibility and coaching in communication, life skills and making good choices. They also need adults who know how to bring out the best in them – and who love them no matter what.
In this lunchtime session, Maggie and Tim will explore questions such as:
◆︎ Why is schooling a challenge for so many boys?
◆︎ How are screens impacting boys within and outside schools?
◆︎ Why boys and their parents need to better understand the massive changes in early adolescence, especially the impact of brain remodelling?
◆︎ How does stress, especially anxiety, impact on boys’ behaviour and capacity to learn?
◆︎ Why is understanding self-worth important in these years?
◆︎ What is underneath disengagement for many boys?
◆︎ What builds self-determination for boys?
◆︎ How do we support neurodivergent boys especially with those with ADHD in schools and at home?
◆︎ What are the keys to effective communication with tween and teen boys?
◆︎ How do we support boys who muck up with warm respect, without shaming, to build better skills and be accountable?
◆︎ Why and how does coaching and mentoring really work, and how can we find these lighthouses for today’s boys?
Join us and become part of shifting what's possible in your relationships with the tween/teen boys in your life.
Join us live on Wednesday, 11th November from
1pm AEDT / 12pm AEST
(Approximate duration 1.5hrs)
… or watch the replay on your device whenever suits you.
The live session will include a short Q&A near the end of the class. A video recording will be available for anyone who cannot join us live. An audio-only version will also be available for those who prefer to listen on-the-go.
Once you sign up you will receive lifetime access to the participant area where you'll find the special link to join the webinar via Zoom, plus the video and audio replays and additional resources.
Supporting Resources
As a handy reference, you'll also receive PDF handouts with notes and links to further information and some bonus free resources and discounts.
Upcoming conversations about healthy manhood
This session is the fourth in five conversations Maggie has planned for the second half of 2026, each bringing together experts to help parents and educators better understand and guide the boys in their lives towards a healthy manhood.
Maggie has spoken with educator and advocate Daniel Principe, The Man Cave CEO Ben Vasiliou, and podcaster, author and developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey. Rounding off the series will be Rites of Passage specialist and 2025 Australian Father of the Year Dr Arne Rubinstein.
Sign up to Maggie’s newsletter to be the first to hear about each masterclass as we announce it.
Your Hosts
Maggie Dent
Maggie Dent is a much-loved and trusted voice for parents, families and educators across Australia and beyond. A former teacher and counsellor, she is especially passionate about early childhood, adolescence and building resilience, and is well-known as a fierce advocate for boys.
A bestselling parenting author, Maggie has written 11 books, including Mothering Our Boys, From Boys to Men, Girlhood and Help Me Help My Teen. Maggie hosts The Good Enough Dad podcast and led six seasons of the acclaimed ABC podcast, Parental As Anything. In 2025, she brought her wisdom to television in the ABC series The Role of a Lifetime.
Maggie’s latest book, co-authored with Kirra Pendergast, is DIGITAL FREEDOM: A guide to less screen time for safer, happier and healthier families (published August 2026).
A mother of four sons and a grateful grandmother, Maggie continues to support calmer, more connected childhoods.
Tim French
Tim French is the founder of Coaching with Tim and a father of boys himself. An educator with more than 15 years’ experience in school leadership and wellbeing, he helps parents raise confident, capable and grounded young men. Tim understands both the privilege and the challenges of raising boys. He is passionate about helping parents build strong connections with their sons while developing the confidence, capability and responsibility boys need to thrive.
As an Executive Inclusion Officer in the ACT, Tim supported a network of 15 schools, working within a multidisciplinary team on attendance, behaviour and disability inclusion. His work also included developing programs for boys, creating opportunities to strengthen connection, build confidence and capability, and support their engagement in school. As Director of Wellbeing, he worked across social and emotional learning, pastoral care, behaviour support and staff professional development. His experience as an Assistant Principal has included curriculum and teaching oversight, teacher development and helping students engage meaningfully in education.
Known for his warm, direct and practical approach, Tim gives parents clear strategies and everyday language to navigate big emotions, hold boundaries and support growing independence. Through coaching, parent workshops, teacher professional development and his online community. His message is simple: boys have so much good in them. With connection, calm guidance and opportunities to do hard things, they can grow into grounded, respectful young men who know their worth and what they can contribute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you only focusing on boys in this class?
I am very aware that girls are also struggling in today’s digital world, and that we still have a long way to go in terms of gender equality in many areas. These boys’ masterclasses are offered at a time when there is significant concern and confusion about adolescent boys, and I know many parents and educators are seeking guidance and support.
I believe that conversations about healthy manhood also benefit girls and wider society. If you are looking for my girls’ masterclasses, please check out my other classes Raising Mighty Girls (with Steve Biddulph) and Understanding Our Gorgeous, Confused Girls (with Michelle Mitchell). – Maggie
When can I access the webinar?
How does lifetime access sound? You can access the replay, bonus content and resource list for as long as you like–across any and all devices you own. Just come back to this website and login!
What if I am unhappy with the masterclass?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.
I already signed up but can't find the participant area!
If you have already signed up, login to the participant area here to access your content. You can also use the Login link in the website menu where you will find your webinar under the menu link 'My Content' - available once logged in.
Can you provide me with a certificate of completion?
Yes. You will unlock the course certificate once you have marked all lectures as complete. The certificate will appear on the screen once you have completed the final content. Click the Download button underneath the certificate to save the certificate to your device.
How can I get the 25% Members Discount?
If you are a part of Maggie's Membership Community, don't forget you can get 25% off this webinar using the discount code on the Members' Dashboard. And if you're not a member, you can signup anytime (and cancel whenever you like) at maggiedent.com/membership
You'll receive...
✅ Links to join us live and submit your questions
✅ Lifetime access to the video and audio replays to watch in your own time
✅ Handouts linking to the presenters' key resources on this topic plus some freebies
Prices displayed in Australian Dollars
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