Bringing Up Boys

Rating:
Summary: Conservative Christians Only
Review: Although it is not made clear from the book's front or back cover, this book has a definite conservative Christian lean. Because of this, Dr. Dobson on occasion disregards peer-reviewed scientific investigations in favor of ancient Biblical stories. In many instances these ancient philosophies, which are not exclusive to Christian teachings, are still as valid today as they where thousands of years ago. But in other instances they are out right inappropriate, offensive, and societally dangerous in the 21st century. Having read other current books on the topic of raising and understanding boys, which for the most part parallel the information in Dr. Dobson's book, I have to recommend against this particular book which, at its heart, has a conservative Christian political agenda. If you are looking for a book on raising boys that invokes the Bible then perhaps you will appreciate this book. If, however, you want a book to bring up an emotionally and physically happy and healthy boy in today's society, in which they must relate to conservative Christians and everyone else alike, then look elsewhere.

Rating:
Summary: Very Good, boys are in need of different parenting
Review: I am impressed with this in the respect we have a truly careing author, James C. Dobson. James has demonstrated the importance of our future by correct teaching of our young men. One subject that gets very little attention towards teaching boys is their potential to offend, in many different ways when they become adolescent or older. I think this book should of had more on that as it seems to be a growing problem, especially sexual abuse and we need to focus on that. A good book for all men which is designed to prevent this abuse by targeting and self identitifies potential offenders is Mad Light by Maddox. I have never read a book that does just that so I recommend Mad Light in conjunction with Bringing up boys.

Rating:
Summary: Mixed Feelings
Review: Even though my education and employment is in the heavily dominated field of engineering, I wanted some insights to help me raise my two sons. Since I grew up in a Christian family, I have long been aware of Dr. Dobson's high reputation, so this book caught my eye.

One on hand, I found this book to have a good number of insights and gems, and to be thought provoking. I was impressed at the kinds of data Dr. Dobson digs up from studies and other references - the numbers of references are worthy of a scholarly journal.

On the other hand, I was sadly suprised to see that Dr. Dobson does not use his data well, prefering instead to further a slanted agenda. Often, his technique seems to be to start with the conclusion he wishes to reach, then try to find data to support it. Also, when the data fails to support his conclusions, he is unaware and presents his conclusions anyway.

In summary, I did find this book worth reading, but I highly recommend to any reader that you use good critical thinking skills.

Rating:
Summary: Dobson hits another one out of the park!
Review: This is a must read for any parent. I have a boy and a girl and I found practical insight for raising both in todays world. He backs up his statements with facts, which I really liked and he doesn't pull any punches. I will be giving this book as gifts this year.

Rating:
Summary: Another top notch book by Dr. James Dobson!
Review: Dr. James Dobson has scored another winner with this outstanding book about the differences between boys and girls.

It would seem that such a suggestion, that there are differences between boys and girls, would come as no surprise to those of us who have raised or are raising both. But from some of the other reviews below, the idea seems to strike a nerve with some folks.

It's too bad, because Dr. Dobson has written an excellent book documenting not only the differences between the sexes, but also how those differences should be handled.

He emphasizes the importance of spending time with your boys. Seems pretty basic, ... However, he quotes statistics that indicate that we have created a generation of parents who for the first time are not raising their own children, which in turn is creating a crisis with the children themselves.

He discusses the education system, the potential of homosexuality raising its head and how to stave off this sin, as well as the feminist assualt on manhood.

This is an excellent book for anyone out there with young boys and even for the grandparents of young boys. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: Great reference...
Review: that I will continue to review as my boys, ages 5 and 2, grow into men. It not only gives lots of practical advice and reasoning behind it (i.e. NEVER let a child have a TV or computer in his room - would you let a stranger into his room in real life?), but also shows why our society is having problems with our young men. In an age when we are told that fathers are not only unnecessary but often an obstacle, this book shows how a father is truly essential for boys.

He does speak from a Biblical point of view, but what do you expect? That is his life's work. His life revolves around his faith, as does so many others in this world. This is a must read for any parent.

Rating:
Summary: A Book Written By A Father who Loved His Son
Review: This book has much to offer both chrisians and non-believers alike. Dr. Dobson uses many statistics that are NOT based on any kind of biased surveys or age, race or culture. The majority of his opinions are biblically based, but the bible never hurt anyone. His ideas are clearly expressed and there is a sense of hope through out the book. Despite many other reviews, there is no woman hating, narrow-mindedness or non-intellectual material used. This book is a wonderful guide for those who are concerned about the well being of their son among a society of girl power. I suggest reading this book, or excerpts before judging it too hrashly.

Rating:
Summary: The Bible Tells You So
Review: I bought this book because I have a 15 year old son. After I began reading it I realized that Dobson had a specific religious agenda. This book is a training manual for fundamentalist right wing Christians on how to apply literalist Bible teachings to bringing up young boys. It ignores years of scientific findings and common sense. If you are a fundamentalist Christian you'll find this book reinforcing to your already accepted beliefs, otherwise this is a deceptive and misinformed book.

Rating:
Summary: This would be a good book for the 1950's
Review: This book was recommended to me by a friend and I thought I would enjoy reading it. There was some insightful information, but I actually found most of it downright offensive. If you're a single mom, this book will make you want to cry because according to Dobson, you're not likely to be able to teach your son to be a man. If you're homosexual, you can be "fixed." If you don't have at least a father figure, you're going to end up in jail. If you get your hands on any kind of porn when your an adolescent, you're going to end up obsessed with it later on in life. I could go on and on. I am a Christian and I'm not a feminist, but Dr. Dobson's views are stuck in a time-warp.

Rating:
Summary: Insight
Review: I have started to read this book. I have a nine year old son. This book has really given me some insight into his world. Although I am not yet done reading this book, I feel any parent who has a son should raed this book. Before I read the book I had some issues that I was just not sure I could make a clear opinion on, but now I feel more sure of my stand on certain issues and I understand a little better of why my son does certain things. He is a smart little boy - sometimes too smart for his own good. I feel closer to him after reading this book.