How to Turn Boys into Men Without a Man Around the House: A Single Mother's Guide

Rating:
Summary: Finally, a How-To Guide for Raising Boys!
Review: A very enjoyable and informative read: The writing is light and witty, filled with anecdotes and nuggets of wisdom. As I read, I found myself smiling more than once as I recognized my boys -- or myself! I came away with a better understanding of boys and new, useful strategies for mothering my boys. And more compassion and pride for us moms.

Rating:
Summary: Finally, a How-To Guide for Raising Boys!
Review: Although most of this book was filled with useful parenting advice, it was fairly mainstream and none of it was new. Very little seemed solely applicable to boys and single moms. The last chapter was the most applicable, and that was because it was about finding time for yourself and how important that was, particularly for a single parent. On the whole, though, I would recommend any of the Sears' books, Penelope Leach's or Terry Brazelton's books. This one was ok, but since it billed itself as a book for single moms raising sons, I expected more about single moms and sons!

Rating:
Summary: Nothing new
Review: Although most of this book was filled with useful parenting advice, it was fairly mainstream and none of it was new. Very little seemed solely applicable to boys and single moms. The last chapter was the most applicable, and that was because it was about finding time for yourself and how important that was, particularly for a single parent. On the whole, though, I would recommend any of the Sears' books, Penelope Leach's or Terry Brazelton's books. This one was ok, but since it billed itself as a book for single moms raising sons, I expected more about single moms and sons!

Rating:
Summary: American Self Help Books
Review: Another American self help book written for self absorbed Americans. It dismisses the diverse worlds cultures and generalizes by assuming the American way is universal.

Some excerpts:

"Is is just a coinicdence that with rare exceptions, the young people who have taken guns to their schools and shot their peers and teachers have been boys?"

"Many people - and indeed, whole cultures - believe that sleeping with a parent can foster a child's inner sense of security and attachment" and then dismisses what most of the planet views by "In fact some behavioral psychologists believe that learning to fall asleep in one's own bed is one of the earliest steps towards a healthy sense of self." Then it goes on as if these views are truths.

No foot note, no reference to whom the 'some behavioral psychologist' are.

"If a boy sees his mother walk around partially dressed, or she nonchalantly allows her bathrobe to fall open when on the phone, he may experience sensations that are seductively inviting, as well as overwhelming and shame-inducing."

It leads me to wonder if all the male children of European cultures that sunbath and swim topless and nude are being damaged seeing their mothers, aunts and grandmothers topless on the beach. But then again, you don't hear about guns in schools by children there nor do they promote repressive shame-inducing attitudes towards the human body.

This book is written by American professionals in the field but I am very glad that they will not be sought for help by most.