What Are the Best Private High Schools for "Alpha Male" Types?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP, what do you mean by "alpha mom"?

She wears tennis skirts at drop off and pick up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am not a Landon booster at all ... but I met the nicest "20-something" guy over the weekend who recently graduated a very top Ivy and he went to Landon. He said he was one of the very few who transferred from GDS to Landon. The thing that shocked me was that he said he loved going to school every day at Landon...that he really looked forward to it. From his sweet demeanor, I realized there are some really nice kids there at Landon...and that I, like many others, had been judging the school really harshly without really knowing the inside details. The kid had been on the Landon lax team and he said that even though he had graduated college -- his best friends are still his Landon brothers.

If only Landon could get all its boys from GDS, it would be fine.

[Anonymous]

Landon parent--I know a lot of kids who fit the above description of sweet, nice kids. They don't fit the stereotype, even though they are in my experience more typical. One of my kids just graduated from college this year. He would say his life was transformed by the Humanities program in the upper school --he has just accepted at a highly regarded PhD program and wants to teach on the college level. I reminded him to write to those exemplary teachers who are so good at keeping in touch with their "boys" and let them know how profoundly they have touched his life. With all this evil publicity, they must be pretty discouraged.

[Anonymous]

The school would do well to interview young men like your son, pp, and put the interviews on their website to show people the diversity that some of you say exists at Landon.

[Anonymous]

PP who referred to herself as an "Alpha mom" here. It was intended to be a light-hearted comment, so I must have forgotten I was writing on DCUM.

I was trying to acknowledge that I have several of the traits that people may consider "type A " or "alpha." And that's not necessarily a bad thing, nor is it necessarily a bad thing for kids.

To put a negative spin on it, I am often aggressive, ruled by the clock, like to win, and want to be in charge. To put a positive spin on the exact same traits, I am assertive (no wall flower here), efficient, very goal oriented, and a strong leader. I'm well aware of my traits, and there are some environments where I thrive more than others. I think there's a lot to be said for learning or working in an environment that brings out the best in your personality, and where you can learn to minimize the negative side of it. Some environments (schools, offices, families, etc.) are more conducive to helping people to grow their strengths, while others seem set on identifying and focusing on the negative. I think it's a good idea for parents to ask for recommendations of schools that would suit their child's "alpha" personality, just like it's smart for parents of shy kids to ask others for recommendations.

And no, PP, I do not wear a tennis skirt to school. I am, however, frequently asked to chair events and to work with the administration on issues of concern to parents, so I think I am visible even if my upper thigh is not showing! I also try very hard to do my best to juggle work, kids, a marriage, and aging parents with significant needs as best I can. For me, throwing the positive side of my alpha personality (efficiency, good leadership skills, goal orientation, etc.) into all of this is very helpful. Others use the positive sides of their personalities to find their way.

As an aside, I can't imagine a forum of men implying that being aggressive and competitive is necessarily a bad thing!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP who referred to herself as an "Alpha mom" here. It was intended to be a light-hearted comment, so I must have forgotten I was writing on DCUM.

I was trying to acknowledge that I have several of the traits that people may consider "type A " or "alpha." And that's not necessarily a bad thing, nor is it necessarily a bad thing for kids.

To put a negative spin on it, I am often aggressive, ruled by the clock, like to win, and want to be in charge. To put a positive spin on the exact same traits, I am assertive (no wall flower here), efficient, very goal oriented, and a strong leader. I'm well aware of my traits, and there are some environments where I thrive more than others. I think there's a lot to be said for learning or working in an environment that brings out the best in your personality, and where you can learn to minimize the negative side of it. Some environments (schools, offices, families, etc.) are more conducive to helping people to grow their strengths, while others seem set on identifying and focusing on the negative. I think it's a good idea for parents to ask for recommendations of schools that would suit their child's "alpha" personality, just like it's smart for parents of shy kids to ask others for recommendations.

And no, PP, I do not wear a tennis skirt to school. I am, however, frequently asked to chair events and to work with the administration on issues of concern to parents, so I think I am visible even if my upper thigh is not showing! I also try very hard to do my best to juggle work, kids, a marriage, and aging parents with significant needs as best I can. For me, throwing the positive side of my alpha personality (efficiency, good leadership skills, goal orientation, etc.) into all of this is very helpful. Others use the positive sides of their personalities to find their way.

As an aside, I can't imagine a forum of men implying that being aggressive and competitive is necessarily a bad thing!

You may not wear tennis skirts, PP, but your penis is showing!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP who referred to herself as an "Alpha mom" here. It was intended to be a light-hearted comment, so I must have forgotten I was writing on DCUM.

I was trying to acknowledge that I have several of the traits that people may consider "type A " or "alpha." And that's not necessarily a bad thing, nor is it necessarily a bad thing for kids.

To put a negative spin on it, I am often aggressive, ruled by the clock, like to win, and want to be in charge. To put a positive spin on the exact same traits, I am assertive (no wall flower here), efficient, very goal oriented, and a strong leader. I'm well aware of my traits, and there are some environments where I thrive more than others. I think there's a lot to be said for learning or working in an environment that brings out the best in your personality, and where you can learn to minimize the negative side of it. Some environments (schools, offices, families, etc.) are more conducive to helping people to grow their strengths, while others seem set on identifying and focusing on the negative. I think it's a good idea for parents to ask for recommendations of schools that would suit their child's "alpha" personality, just like it's smart for parents of shy kids to ask others for recommendations.

And no, PP, I do not wear a tennis skirt to school. I am, however, frequently asked to chair events and to work with the administration on issues of concern to parents, so I think I am visible even if my upper thigh is not showing! I also try very hard to do my best to juggle work, kids, a marriage, and aging parents with significant needs as best I can. For me, throwing the positive side of my alpha personality (efficiency, good leadership skills, goal orientation, etc.) into all of this is very helpful. Others use the positive sides of their personalities to find their way.

As an aside, I can't imagine a forum of men implying that being aggressive and competitive is necessarily a bad thing!

I'm the PP who asked what you meant when you called yourself an alpha mom. From your reply I think you and I are not very different. One big difference is that I think "alpha" is not a word anyone ought to use to refer oneself. The term, which comes from studies of animal social order, refers to the one animal at the top of the social order. You may think you yourself are alpha, but you should never say it, even in jest. It's like calling yourself "rich" to others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP who referred to herself as an "Alpha mom" here. It was intended to be a light-hearted comment, so I must have forgotten I was writing on DCUM.

I was trying to acknowledge that I have several of the traits that people may consider "type A " or "alpha." And that's not necessarily a bad thing, nor is it necessarily a bad thing for kids.

To put a negative spin on it, I am often aggressive, ruled by the clock, like to win, and want to be in charge. To put a positive spin on the exact same traits, I am assertive (no wall flower here), efficient, very goal oriented, and a strong leader. I'm well aware of my traits, and there are some environments where I thrive more than others. I think there's a lot to be said for learning or working in an environment that brings out the best in your personality, and where you can learn to minimize the negative side of it. Some environments (schools, offices, families, etc.) are more conducive to helping people to grow their strengths, while others seem set on identifying and focusing on the negative. I think it's a good idea for parents to ask for recommendations of schools that would suit their child's "alpha" personality, just like it's smart for parents of shy kids to ask others for recommendations.

And no, PP, I do not wear a tennis skirt to school. I am, however, frequently asked to chair events and to work with the administration on issues of concern to parents, so I think I am visible even if my upper thigh is not showing! I also try very hard to do my best to juggle work, kids, a marriage, and aging parents with significant needs as best I can. For me, throwing the positive side of my alpha personality (efficiency, good leadership skills, goal orientation, etc.) into all of this is very helpful. Others use the positive sides of their personalities to find their way.

As an aside, I can't imagine a forum of men implying that being aggressive and competitive is necessarily a bad thing!

I'm the PP who asked what you meant when you called yourself an alpha mom. From your reply I think you and I are not very different. One big difference is that I think "alpha" is not a word anyone ought to use to refer oneself. The term, which comes from studies of animal social order, refers to the one animal at the top of the social order. You may think you yourself are alpha, but you should never say it, even in jest. It's like calling yourself "rich" to others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP who referred to herself as an "Alpha mom" here. It was intended to be a light-hearted comment, so I must have forgotten I was writing on DCUM.

I was trying to acknowledge that I have several of the traits that people may consider "type A " or "alpha." And that's not necessarily a bad thing, nor is it necessarily a bad thing for kids.

To put a negative spin on it, I am often aggressive, ruled by the clock, like to win, and want to be in charge. To put a positive spin on the exact same traits, I am assertive (no wall flower here), efficient, very goal oriented, and a strong leader. I'm well aware of my traits, and there are some environments where I thrive more than others. I think there's a lot to be said for learning or working in an environment that brings out the best in your personality, and where you can learn to minimize the negative side of it. Some environments (schools, offices, families, etc.) are more conducive to helping people to grow their strengths, while others seem set on identifying and focusing on the negative. I think it's a good idea for parents to ask for recommendations of schools that would suit their child's "alpha" personality, just like it's smart for parents of shy kids to ask others for recommendations.

And no, PP, I do not wear a tennis skirt to school. I am, however, frequently asked to chair events and to work with the administration on issues of concern to parents, so I think I am visible even if my upper thigh is not showing! I also try very hard to do my best to juggle work, kids, a marriage, and aging parents with significant needs as best I can. For me, throwing the positive side of my alpha personality (efficiency, good leadership skills, goal orientation, etc.) into all of this is very helpful. Others use the positive sides of their personalities to find their way.

As an aside, I can't imagine a forum of men implying that being aggressive and competitive is necessarily a bad thing!

I'm the PP who asked what you meant when you called yourself an alpha mom. From your reply I think you and I are not very different. One big difference is that I think "alpha" is not a word anyone ought to use to refer oneself. The term, which comes from studies of animal social order, refers to the one animal at the top of the social order. You may think you yourself are alpha, but you should never say it, even in jest. It's like calling yourself "rich" to others.

Another penis is peeking through! But this one has glasses and is sitting in B&N by the self-help section.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP who referred to herself as an "Alpha mom" here. It was intended to be a light-hearted comment, so I must have forgotten I was writing on DCUM.

I was trying to acknowledge that I have several of the traits that people may consider "type A " or "alpha." And that's not necessarily a bad thing, nor is it necessarily a bad thing for kids.

To put a negative spin on it, I am often aggressive, ruled by the clock, like to win, and want to be in charge. To put a positive spin on the exact same traits, I am assertive (no wall flower here), efficient, very goal oriented, and a strong leader. I'm well aware of my traits, and there are some environments where I thrive more than others. I think there's a lot to be said for learning or working in an environment that brings out the best in your personality, and where you can learn to minimize the negative side of it. Some environments (schools, offices, families, etc.) are more conducive to helping people to grow their strengths, while others seem set on identifying and focusing on the negative. I think it's a good idea for parents to ask for recommendations of schools that would suit their child's "alpha" personality, just like it's smart for parents of shy kids to ask others for recommendations.

And no, PP, I do not wear a tennis skirt to school. I am, however, frequently asked to chair events and to work with the administration on issues of concern to parents, so I think I am visible even if my upper thigh is not showing! I also try very hard to do my best to juggle work, kids, a marriage, and aging parents with significant needs as best I can. For me, throwing the positive side of my alpha personality (efficiency, good leadership skills, goal orientation, etc.) into all of this is very helpful. Others use the positive sides of their personalities to find their way.

As an aside, I can't imagine a forum of men implying that being aggressive and competitive is necessarily a bad thing!

I'm the PP who asked what you meant when you called yourself an alpha mom. From your reply I think you and I are not very different. One big difference is that I think "alpha" is not a word anyone ought to use to refer oneself. The term, which comes from studies of animal social order, refers to the one animal at the top of the social order. You may think you yourself are alpha, but you should never say it, even in jest. It's like calling yourself "rich" to others.

Another penis is peeking through! But this one has glasses and is sitting in B&N by the self-help section.

That's funny. I really do have recurring dreams in which I have a penis.

[Anonymous]

OP - "Alpha male" is such a poor description for a mother to use regarding her son. But you've, perhaps unwittingly, essentially captured the perfect misogynist attitude that appears to be either condoned or perpetuated at Landon. That was the way it was when I was in high school here in the 80's and appears to still be the case now. And your tone in describing your son really sounds naive and almost dubious.

Keep in mind that he may be a "big fish" in a small pond now, but that may reversed when he's around a ton of other boys just like or perhaps "more competitive" than him in the privates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: a ton of other boys just like or perhaps "more competitive" than him in the privates.

Given the penis discussion, I really enjoy the double-entendre on this one!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: a ton of other boys just like or perhaps "more competitive" than him in the privates.

Given the penis discussion, I really enjoy the double-entendre on this one!

I never type wth word "privates" when posting on DCUM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: a ton of other boys just like or perhaps "more competitive" than him in the privates.

Given the penis discussion, I really enjoy the double-entendre on this one!

I am the penis poster, and I think you're quite astute!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP who referred to herself as an "Alpha mom" here. It was intended to be a light-hearted comment, so I must have forgotten I was writing on DCUM.

I was trying to acknowledge that I have several of the traits that people may consider "type A " or "alpha." And that's not necessarily a bad thing, nor is it necessarily a bad thing for kids.

To put a negative spin on it, I am often aggressive, ruled by the clock, like to win, and want to be in charge. To put a positive spin on the exact same traits, I am assertive (no wall flower here), efficient, very goal oriented, and a strong leader. I'm well aware of my traits, and there are some environments where I thrive more than others. I think there's a lot to be said for learning or working in an environment that brings out the best in your personality, and where you can learn to minimize the negative side of it. Some environments (schools, offices, families, etc.) are more conducive to helping people to grow their strengths, while others seem set on identifying and focusing on the negative. I think it's a good idea for parents to ask for recommendations of schools that would suit their child's "alpha" personality, just like it's smart for parents of shy kids to ask others for recommendations.

And no, PP, I do not wear a tennis skirt to school. I am, however, frequently asked to chair events and to work with the administration on issues of concern to parents, so I think I am visible even if my upper thigh is not showing! I also try very hard to do my best to juggle work, kids, a marriage, and aging parents with significant needs as best I can. For me, throwing the positive side of my alpha personality (efficiency, good leadership skills, goal orientation, etc.) into all of this is very helpful. Others use the positive sides of their personalities to find their way.

As an aside, I can't imagine a forum of men implying that being aggressive and competitive is necessarily a bad thing!

I fear for your alpha-male. Perhaps you are right in your assessment of your son as: 1) an alpha; 2) one who will thrive surrounded by other alphas. If you are wrong, he will disappoint you, and you sound like the kind of mother who causes years of therapy.