Hal and Melanie Young are the proud parents of boys, and lots of them. Six, as a matter of fact. They've added a couple of girls along the way, but they surly have enough experience with boys to write and entire book on raising them. With a loving presence and the will to reach the heart of their boys, they've devoted a whole book for "Surviving, Teaching and Appreciating Boys".
I had to pause for a moment and check my eyes when I read the subtitle of the book. Surviving, Teaching and Appreciating Boys. That's exactly what I needed. You see, I'm a momma of two sweet boys and I often times wonder how exactly will I survive. OK, so it isn't as bad as it sounds truthfully, but boys well, they're just different. I know because I'm not one of the male kind. My eyes, my heart, and my womanly feelings often know what my boys need, but not exactly understand why they need what they need.
Hal and Melanie, helped me to get into the heart of manhood. When I look at my boys, I don't see them yet as men. I see them as children before the Lord, but not men of the Lord. There were so many view points in this book that hit the nail on the head for me. For one, ignoring society's view of boys and a burden to parents. This broke my heart, but it also made me realize that Hal and Melanie were right. Society does point a bad view of boys at times. With their extra energy and the sometimes rough way of doing things. Truth is, boys are challenging but God made man in His own image and that includes my boys.
They also tugged at the heart with this simple statement, convenience isn't part of the job description of parenting. No kidding, right! How about every time you arrive at your next shopping destination on errand day, and every child must see use the bathroom. It is truly amazing how much time we've spent in the restroom at the grocery store.
Digging further in the book, we haven't even touched the surface of Chapter One. My favorite parts include;
1. Boys are built to be manly. They need training leading and discipleship.
2. Boys need heroes. Do your sons have more worthy role models? That would mean defining what a hero is. Warriors, scholars, men we can point out to our sons who are worthy of the title hero. "First and ultimately, dad!" He should point the way to Christ, and ultimate example of a man.
All of these examples are just a tip of the iceberg for why I recommend this book for those of you who have boys or for anyone wanting to try to understand them and not put them in a "box". I truly enjoyed this book and I was able to understand a little bit more into the hearts of my boys.
A special thank you for Timberdoodle Co. for providing Raising Real Men for the review for other topics on parenting helps or for other topics for boys like boy-friendly outdoor learning visit Timeberdoodle Co.
Truth in Review: Timberdoodle Co. did provide me with a copy of Raising Real Men free of charge. I was not paid for the review or require any certain context within my review. All reviews posted by me are truthful in content and not bought. Gabreial Wyatt, Editor Visit ourDisclaimer/Disclosure for more info.
