Bringing Up Boys: Practical Advice and Encouragement for Those Shaping the Next Generation of Men

I am a Christian, grew up in a Christian environment, went to a private Christian school. Anyone who knows me knows I lean heavily toward Conservative than Liberal. I have a lot of respect for Dr. Dobson, yet this book disappointed me. I felt like it was preaching intolerance, and encouraging parents to keep their little boys away from those "evil gay folks" - because otherwise, your child might end up just like them. Yes, that's a blanket statement for the whole book, and yes, that was a bit of sarcasm. I couldn't finish this one.

I for one, will not be teaching my little boy to be afraid of, hate or even to dislike anyone, due to sexual orientation or anything else for that matter, regardless of the source that tells me to do so. This show more book is not representative of all Conservative Christians. show less

This book should be more accurately titled "Raising Good Boys in Today's Hostile Social Environment." Much of the book details the external societal factors that influence the raising of
boys and the forces that parents must work against. Only tidbits throughout the first sections and the last 2 chapters provide parenting advice directly applicable to boys' behavior. These are: take the TV and PCs out of the kids' rooms, how to discipline your children, ways to get your sons' attention, the importance of teaching them a work ethic, and the need to exert authority over children.

This book contains sensible advice and caring encouragement on raising boys from the nation's most trusted parenting authority. With so much confusion about the role of men in our society, it's no wonder so many parents and teachers are at a loss about how to bring up boys. Our culture has vilified masculinity and, as a result, boys are often suffering.

The birth of our second son got me made me take pause and invest some time in reading about the skills necessary for parenting--especially for parenting boys. For those in my situation who are feeling a similar need, this book should be at the top of the list.

No matter what you think of Dr. James Dobson, he has hit the nail on the head with this work. He very skillfully and accurately paints the picture of what parents in today's culture face (and the picture is NOT pretty), and then provides biblical, practical insights into how to raise boys into men in the middle of it all.

His chapters on the origins of homosexuality and cultural predators are especially thought-provoking.

If you have sons or grandsons, I would read this book. If show more you know of anybody with sons or grandsons, I would urge you to get this book for them to read.

www.comingstobrazil.com show less

I'm going to make a big claim. If you have a son (or more) you must read this book. You must.
It is encouraging and challenging; enlightening and reassuring. Dobson has wonderful insight into the minds and spirits of little boys and practical advice on how to help cultivate wonderful human beings.
A pivotal book for any parent of boys. And I hear he is coming out with a counterpart, Bringing Up Girls this year.

Some good points, but I just never felt compelled to use it as a continuing reference.

Too little biblical authority; way too much reliance on statistical data and personal anecdote. Read "Raising a Modern Day Knight" by Robert Lewis instead.