Boys Should Be Boys: 7 Secrets To Raising Healthy Sons (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
Contrary to the title, I don't know what the 7 secrets are after finishing the book, but it was good nonetheless and I came away from it appreciating my son even more.It got a little tedious in the middle of the book. I took some longer breaks from reading just because I felt that in some places she repeated herself. But she affirmed what I already feel as a parent, that our sons need less screen/media time and more time being active, exploring, and building strong relationships with parents/family/other mentors. It gave me courage to keep being a mother that sets boundaries for my son, even if it is different from the culture.I thought the last two chapters were the best, and gave me vision for the kind of young man I want my son to become. But I was also reminded to appreciate and affirm him for who he is as a person, not just his accomplishments. The emphasis on character was very good.As a single mother, the chapter on fathers and sons was a little discouraging. However I liked that in other parts of the book she gave hope that a single mother could raise a great young man with the help of other male role models and mentors. In all, a great book for parents of sons. My sister in law (mother of 4 boys too) handed me this book and told me I need to read it. I am so completely GLAD I did - she was right. It is not a light ... skim the surface and kind of help us raise our sons. It has great depth, not afraid to tackle daunting subjects, well thought out and written. I didn't always agree with everything Meeker said, but I say like most parenting books - I like to take away what will help me and my family and I feel like I almost feel like I could read it again because she had so much great advice/perspective. I thought she understood Mothers, Fathers, and boys and all our strengths and weaknesses - how we help each other and how we can injure each other or keep us from our potential. She did make many assumptions but they were generally amazing and after I read the book I noticed many pages of reference material - books she pulled her thoughts from and I realized what I thought were assumptions ... were well researched and understood. Even if you don't like everything she says I STRONGLY recommend reading this book - it really is fantastic and great for our day and age (FATHERS 100 PERCENT INCLUDED - she has much to say to you).
What do You think about Boys Should Be Boys: 7 Secrets To Raising Healthy Sons (2008)?
I loved this book. Didn't evening the audio version. I would recommend it to any parent of boys.
—futura
I need to remind myself to reread this when my boys are teenagers.
—sangeeta
Some good tips but very prone to stereotyping boys and girls.
—Angela
