At a time when many boys are in crisis, a much-needed roadmap for helping boys grow into strong and compassionate men
Over the past two decades there has been an explosion of new studies that have expanded our knowledge of how boys think and feel. In How to Raise a Boy, psychologist Michael Reichert draws on his decades of research to challenge age-old conventions about how boys become men.
Reichert explains how the paradigms about boys needing to be stoic and "man like" can actually cause them to shut down, leading to anger, isolation, and disrespectful or even destructive behaviors. The key to changing the culture lies in how parents, educators, and mentors help boys develop socially and emotionally. Reichert offers readers step-by-step guidance in doing just this by: Listening and observing, without judgment, so that boys know they're being heard. Helping them develop strong connections with teachers, coaches, and other role models Encouraging them to talk about their feelings about the opposite sex and stressing the importance of respecting women Letting them know that they don't have to "be a man" or "suck it up," when they are experiencing physical or emotional pain.
Featuring the latest insights from psychology and neuroscience, How to Raise a Boy will help those who care for young boys and teenagers build a boyhood that will enable them to grow into confident, accomplished and kind men.
About the Author
Michael C. Reichert, Ph.D., is founding director of the Center for the Study of Boys' and Girls' Lives at the University of Pennsylvania, and a clinical practitioner specializing in boys and men who has conducted extensive research globally.
Industry Reviews
"No one writes more powerfully about how much boys need loving relationships to become healthy men. With the training of a researcher and the soul of a clinician, Michael Reichert has looked deeply into their hearts and lives; he sees behind their under achievement and gaming addictions and recognizes their yearning for connection and friendship. If you are the parent or teacher of a boy, if you love a boy, you should read How to Raise a Boy."
Michael G. Thompson, Ph.D., author of Raising Cain and Best Friends, Worst Enemies
"In the ten years since my book about boys' troubles came out, I have spoken to countless parents and educators about their worries. Over this same period things have not gotten any easier for boysin fact, it is more important than ever for families to nurture men of character, emotional intelligence and resilience. In this groundbreaking book, Michael Reichert combines a unique blend of research, clinical insight, and personal experience to offer an encouraging approach to raising our sons. If you have a son, or a grandson, or a nephew or a brother, buy this book."
Peg Tyre, New York Times bestselling author of The Trouble with Boys
"A thoughtful, honest, and ultimately hopeful map for raising a son today . . . Michael Reichert does what he has done for so long for so many: give brilliant insight and advice that help so many boys become confident men of purpose and character."
Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bees and Wannabes and Masterminds and Wingmen
"Michael blends the wisdom of being a loving parent and a caring clinician to help us listen to, understand, and honor our sons and the boys in our lives, in order to assist them to be their best and truest selves."
David L. Bell, MD MPH, Medical Director, The Young Men's Clinic, New York Presbyterian Hospital/ Columbia University Medical Center
"How to Raise a Boy is a book of positivity and hope for navigating the complex and often fraught journey of raising boys to be good men in today's world. Through fascinating stories from boys and their caregivers, it provides valuable and practical insight into the utmost significance of relationality and the power of connection in dismantling the harmful gender norms of the 'boy code' that compromise the lives of all of us."
Amanda Keddie, Professor of Education, Deakin University (Australia)
"Michael Reichert weaves a lovely tapestry of stories, experiences, insights and reflections acquired over a long distinguished career guiding boys and young men. A must read not only for parents of boys but also for educators, administrators and counselors entrusted with the responsibility of championing boys' education and development."
David M. Armstrong, Executive Director, International Boys' School Coalition
