Vincent Benevento has devoted his life to supporting young men and the families who love them. As Causeway’s founder, he speaks at schools, community groups, and various organizations about parenting and life practices that help young men grow into capable adults.
Vince’s wisdom isn’t just professional: it’s experienced. As a father of three, he and his wife, Gina, manage the same daily juggle of sports, homework, and routines. That’s why he urges parents to begin September with systems and support, not pressure. These back-to-school parenting tips work in his own household and in the lives of the families he mentors.
Routine Matters
“The importance of routine—morning, post-school, evening—is huge,” Vince explains. He calls it a “habits of the household kind of framework.” Consistent rhythms keep boys and young men organized, help them start tasks, and lower stress. “When kids feel stressed and overwhelmed because they’re scrambling to get their backpack or forget something at home…it can lead to escalating conflict, which leads to escalating stress.” Predictable routines break that cycle.
Co-Create, Don’t Dictate
Routines stick best when parents guide instead of dictate. “When routines are effectively co-established and parents ask questions to help their sons formulate their own routine… they’re able to buy into it more effectively and take initiative.” Ownership turns structure into habit. (Pro-tip: Our mentors help families build routines, too.)
Think Beyond the Fall
Daily routines matter, but so does the bigger picture. “What’s his goal for the year? Is it something you can support him in achieving? Are there resources that need to be allocated around it?” Vince encourages families to set collective goals. “Are these things the family can gamify and be a part of, where everybody has skin in the game?”