Staying Connected: How Boys Home Strengthens Family Bonds
How Boys Home Helps Build Bridges Through Family Partnerships
Beyond safety, a parent’s biggest question may be something like this: “Will we lose connection with our son once they enter Boys Home?” Many parents worry that residential education might mean losing touch with their child. And that’s a valid concern when considering a significant change in living situation.
But here’s what actually happens: Many families discover their relationships have grown stronger, more positive, and better for everyone.
Boys Home of Virginia understands that family connections are important. That’s why we work to make sure that families don’t just stay in contact with their sons; they become part of the young man’s journey.
Why Family Partnerships Matter
Boys Home has been doing something right for over a century, and now research backs it up.
Recent studies on family engagement show that when families become true partners in their child’s education, students perform better academically and develop stronger social-emotional skills.
Researchers found three things that make family engagement actually work:
Building real relationships between families, schools, and communities
Communication that includes everyone, no matter their background or circumstances
Sharing responsibility so that both schools and families work toward the same goals
This isn’t new territory for Boys Home. We’ve always believed that parents shouldn’t just receive reports about their son, but help build a plan for success.
Staying in Contact Every Week
Communication happens in multiple ways at Boys Home. Families can reach their sons through whatever method works best for them:
Sunday calls: Every student has scheduled family time on Sundays
Video chats: Popular with families who want to see their son’s face
Phone calls: Available throughout the week, not just on Sundays
Letters: Old-fashioned but meaningful – something a young man can keep and reread
Some families become regular letter writers during their son’s time at Boys Home. There’s something special about a handwritten note that a text message can’t match.
Visiting Made Easy
Weekend visits happen regularly at Boys Home. The school wants families to feel welcome on campus, so we’ve removed common barriers that might keep families from visiting.
The biggest barrier? Cost. However, what Boys Home offers is a guest apartment that parents can use at no charge to them: no hotel bills, no extra expenses– just quality time with their son.
Becoming Part of the Boys Home Community
Families don’t just visit their sons at Boys Home; they actually become part of the Boys Home life. Parents often attend soccer games, both at home and away. Families attend school events and celebrations. The school keeps families updated and informed about these opportunities through email and social media.
Open houses give families chances to see their son’s daily world, meet teachers and staff, and connect with other families walking similar paths.
Working Together on Goals
Every four and a half weeks, families sit down with their son’s team for progress meetings. These aren’t just report cards – they’re planning sessions. Parents help set goals for their sons in collaboration with advisors, teachers, and mentors.
Families also participate in regular meetings focused on strengthening communication and building partnerships. When problems arise, families work with Boys Home staff to find solutions together.
Flexible Time at Home
Students can go home during school breaks:
- Fall break
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas break
- Easter break
- Summer vacation
Getting home isn’t complicated either. Boys Home runs a shuttle service to Richmond, where families can pick up and drop off their sons. This practical support makes holiday visits smooth and stress-free.
Real Stories of Stronger Families
Ephy Morris spent seven years at Boys Home. When choosing a college, he picked Wright State University specifically to be closer to his family in Columbus, Ohio. Seven years away from home, and his priority was getting back to family.
Two brothers currently at the Boys Home – one in 7th grade and one in 11th grade – have built stronger relationships with their grandparents. These grandparents now attend soccer games regularly, cheering on both grandsons. Their home visits are consistently positive.
One parent had this to share: “After being in the program for just over a year, he was more respectful, had better manners, and was mature enough to repair the family relationship that had been damaged. My son graduated from the Boys Home School in May 2024. He is now in Air Force boot camp in Texas. I am so proud of the man he has become.”
These stories illustrate the profound impact that Boys Home has on family relationships.
Support That Lasts
Most students stay at Boys Home until graduation. But some families choose to bring their sons home earlier when they see for themselves the dramatic improvements in behavior and family relationships. Boys Home supports these decisions.
Even after students leave, check-ins with advisors continue. The school recognizes that transitioning back to full-time family life deserves ongoing support.
Partnerships, Not Separation
Boys Home doesn’t separate families– it partners with them.
Many families discover that their relationships become more honest, more respectful, and more appreciative than before. Distance doesn’t weaken these connections – it often reveals how much family really matters.
Ready to learn more about how Boys Home partners with families while supporting young men’s growth? Contact us today to see how we can work together for your son’s success.