Guest Speaker Anthony Rao Brings in a Full House

More than 100 people filled the choir loft at Princeton Academy on Wednesday night to see nationally recognized child psychologist Dr. Anthony Rao, who is also known as an expert on boys’ development.

Rao, who has more than two decades of experience in child psychology, has made many appearances on television for his expertise and unique perspectives. His opinions have also been featured in notable publications such as Newsweek, Scientific American, The New York Times and New York Magazine.

Rao visited the School on Feb. 26 to talk about his book, “The Way of Boys: Promoting the Social and Emotional Development of Young Boys.” He touched on various topics such as how American boys are struggling and continue to suffer from misdiagnoses and mislabeling. He also pointed out unique opportunities for parents, teachers and child professionals to counter those negative trends as well as how to identify and help existing problems.
 
"When we understand how boys' develop, their unique strengths and how they're different than girls, much can improve," said Rao. "We need to recognize the real changes taking place in our schools, towns and in our homes that stress boys out."

Headmaster Olen Kalkus lauded Rao’s well-attended presentation, citing that Rao was able to explain the wide spectrum of boys’ development in easy to understand terms.

“Both parents and educators benefited from hearing how to avoid the complexities that can arise when well meaning adults do not understand boys’ development," added Kalkus.