Barbara's Product Reviews & Giveaways
February 18, 2010 10:12 AM
Raising Real Men - if you've got sons, you want this book!
I first heard of Raising Real Men: Surviving, Teaching and Appreciating Boys
I really appreciated the book " Raising Real Men" by Hal and Melanie Young. They are homeschool parents to 6 boys and 2 girls.Just like the Youngs, I have been the recipient of many negative comments because I have 4-in-a-row boys. Gender roles seem to be blurred, and not everyone knows how to raise a boy into manhood. Instead of prescribing ritalin to make them more like girls, the Youngs have written a book that inspires parents to help their sons become the men that God has created them to be.
As a mom who never had any brothers, I felt very encouraged and inspired by this book. This is the best book I've ever read about raising boys!
As the mother of 4-in-a-row boys myself (Josh, Matt, Ben and Zach, now 26, 25, 23 and 22) - and having homeschooled them in the 90's, this was an issue I'd confronted - learning to let go of my prissy (formerly feminist) ways, appreciate my boys for the men-to-be that God had built into them and then do my best to encourage them in their journey to manhood.
Although I've written bits and pieces about this, I never wrote a book. So now I am very happy to have one to recommend.
While I have only had time so far to skim the copy Melanie sent me, I don't want to wait before passing on this resource to my readers, as the Youngs have graciously offered three copies to be given away to MommyLife readers.
Because my audience includes both Catholics and Evangelicals, I just want to mention that this is written from a strong biblical Evangelical perspective - which is reflected in the Amazon reviews
There was a reason for that old cliche. Because boys are different from girls and we need to accept them for who they are.
Here is an excerpt which indicates the reader-friendliness, authenticity and common sense throughout the book:
We probably made an error with our older sons when we thought it would be good to explain our decisions and directions as much as we did. Our hope was to gain their minds and wills, not just their compliance, Likely, most parents who've gone this route could tell you it tends to breed contempt, as if obedience isn't necessary until agreement is reached.Mom: "Son, get out of the street!"
Son: "Why?"Write your own ending.
Now we don't explain ourselves to our children every time or even most of the time, but it is still important that they learn why certain decisions have to happen. Our rule now is "Obey first, then ask me why, and I'll be glad to explain." That's when you find out who really wants to understand, and who is just stalling for time.
See what I mean? That's a fresh look and a lot of wisdom in 140 words.
If you've got sons, you want a copy of this book. Just leave a comment - three winners with be announced Tuesday 2/23 at 9:00 am.
Comments
Our family is the flip side of the authors... girl, girl, girl, girl, boy, girl, boy, and finally another girl! You can only imagine how hard it has been to not want the boys to "behave more like your sisters!". I will never forget the time I heard a LOUD crashing from one of the bedrooms. Our then two+ year old son was on the top bunk dropping objects to see which one made the loudest noise on the hard wood floor. It was then that I realized he was not being naughty, but rather being a little boy! I would love to have a copy of this book. The boys are 17 and 10 now, but it is never to late to learn something new and improve the way we parent!
Posted by: Becky | February 18, 2010 1:09 PM
I had a girl first and then two boys, the oldest is now almost four and her brother just turned two. I am constantly amazed by the differences between them. I would love to better understand what to do differently for them! Thanks Barbara
Posted by: Laura Brugere | February 18, 2010 5:21 PM
Barbara thanks for this wonderful blog and for offering this wonderful book.
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy Barrett | February 19, 2010 7:40 AM
Barbara, Thank you for having this giveaway. We've just had our third consecutive boy (4, 3, 6m.), our daughter is 11 years old, and I am in the ever learning process of not only the cycle of parenting in stages but parenting at different levels with very INDIVIDUAL boys. Although the wonderful experience from my mother-of-the-heart could never be replaced, this looks like a great contribution to the constant struggles of everyday dilemmas. Thanks again.
Posted by: april | February 19, 2010 8:05 AM
this Mom of an totally boy 3 yr old would love it
Posted by: Maureen | February 19, 2010 8:46 AM
My boys are 9 and 6 with a girl in between. This would be a good book to read. Thanks for having this giveaway!
Posted by: Sherry C. | February 19, 2010 11:01 PM
Barbara, I recently started following your blog because of the recommendation of a friend. It has been such a blessing to me. As the mom of two boys, nearly 5 and 2, I am constantly searching for creative ways to let them be the boys they were created to be, but not lose my sanity. :) I would love a copy of this book. It sounds like a must read! Thanks. Kendra
Posted by: Kendra Cutsinger | February 20, 2010 9:52 AM
This sounds like a fantastic resource!
Posted by: Debbie | February 20, 2010 7:51 PM
I have one very strong willed son and could use some insight, ideas and encouragement. Thanks for the giveaway !
Posted by: dee | February 20, 2010 7:54 PM
Even if I don't win., I need to read this. My children are very young...and I have already learned that my 2 year old wild boy is different than his 3 1/2 year old sister. I have to admit that at times I've wondered if I am doing something wrong or if he is developing okay (I had no brothers or even boy cousins to compare). Then I realize -- he "speaks" a different language even at this toddler age than my daughter.
Thank you for this recommendation
Posted by: Maureen | February 20, 2010 9:01 PM
Mommy of a 17 month old boy...would love for both my husband and me to read it!
Posted by: Erin | February 22, 2010 7:01 AM
I am a mom of 7 sons...and 4 daughters. Boys are sure creative, that is for sure! I have 4 boys in a row and everywhere I go people make those poor you comments. But I love it and feel very blessed.
I love the encouragement of your site. Thanks, Barbara.
Posted by: Pam | February 22, 2010 8:55 AM
This book sounds excellent. I have a 16 month old boy and love watching how boyish he naturally is. However, I'm deeply concerned about raising a Godly, manly son, and any resources to help me do so are on my priority list! Thanks for the giveaway, Barbara.
Posted by: Kristina | February 22, 2010 10:13 AM
Definitely throw my name in!
Hal and Melanie have served our state home school organization for many years, with Hal in the presidency at least once. They have been faithful and inspirational.
I've never had the pleasure of meeting them personally, but know of women who seek out Melanie for her encouragement and support. She is always so gracious.
I do have a copy of a serminar that Melanie gave one year at our state conference where she talked about some of the things I imagine will be in this book. It was a valuable listen! Melanie and Hal are straight on with wisdom and advice.
Thanks for offering this!
Posted by: von | February 22, 2010 10:14 AM
Who can't use more help raising their precious boys?! Thank you, Barbara!
Posted by: Kim D. in Wisconsin | February 22, 2010 10:21 AM
I would really love a book that could help me to be a better mother to my son. Thanks.
Posted by: Abby | February 22, 2010 10:23 AM
I would love this book! I have three boys (and 5 girls) ages 16, 8 and 2. I realized long ago that boys are not like girls - my two oldest were about 1 and 3, and playing with their green beans at the dinner table. My daughter's beans were a happy family, talking nicely to one another. My son's beans were cars racing over his plate, one after another! I had bought into the idea of gender-neutral parenting...until that point.
On another note - thank you for your writing. I find myself quoting you often. You give me much food for thought, and I appreciate the way you make me think about issues on a deeper level.
Posted by: Patty | February 22, 2010 11:10 AM
This book sounds fantastic - thanks for bringing it to my attention!
Posted by: Sheila | February 22, 2010 11:56 AM
Mom of 4 boys in a row too ;) Count me in!
Posted by: Margaret | February 22, 2010 12:28 PM
I knew God was up to something when He gave me two boys when I thought I could only "do" girl!
My, how having these boys of ours has changed me!
This book sounds like a great read. It's our burning desire to raise God-fearing men in a twisted age of relativism and wickedness.
Thanks for posting!
Posted by: Elizabeth | February 22, 2010 2:03 PM
My sons are 3 and 2. I would LOVE this book. Oh boy!
Posted by: sandy | February 22, 2010 2:10 PM
Not only do I have my two sons to try to understand, I am also a Cub Scout leader to another ten. I'm sure they would all appreciate me reading this!
Posted by: Cathy | February 22, 2010 2:33 PM
I've only got one boy, but with a big sister 3 years older than him, I need all the advice I can get to reinforce biblical manhood.
Posted by: Heather | February 22, 2010 4:52 PM
I love your blog and am thankful for the chance to win what looks like a great resource!
Posted by: Lynn in AK | February 22, 2010 5:10 PM
Love your blog, Barbara, mostly because you are always willing to keep on learning, and admitting where you have made mistakes. You have been mothering a long time but always trying to do it better, with God's help.
Thanks!
Posted by: Donna | February 22, 2010 5:12 PM
I would love this book. Boys are a new world for me and I so what to raise him to be a man. My husband and I are always looking for news tips.
Posted by: Melissa OConnor | February 22, 2010 5:13 PM
I have one boy and didn't have any brothers growing up. I'm amazed at the energy that he has and would love a book that will help me help him grow into a Godly man.
Posted by: Blessed Mom | February 22, 2010 7:48 PM
I would live to win this book. So grateful for all you do, Barbara. Thank you.
Posted by: Bridget | February 22, 2010 8:10 PM
As a mom of 6 sons (and 1 daughter), I would love to read this book!
Posted by: Susan | February 22, 2010 10:25 PM
Hi Barbara, I would love a copy of this book! We recently welcomed our 2nd son after 2 daughters. :-)
Terri White
Posted by: Terri | February 23, 2010 5:59 AM
I have a 3yr boy and a 10m old girl and I'm always serching for helpful information. Thank You
Posted by: Kerri | February 23, 2010 7:07 AM
Count me in -- looks really helpful in this world of boys. Thanks for all you do, Barbara
Posted by: bridget | February 23, 2010 7:34 AM
I have twin 3 year old boys and a just turned 2 year old boy... sign me up!
Posted by: Bekah Winter | February 23, 2010 8:11 AM
Barbara,
I'm in for the book! I love to read about parenting boys since I have one! They are so different from girls...it surprises me all the time.
Posted by: Imajackson@hotmail.com | February 23, 2010 9:40 AM
