From Library Journal
As he has in past books (Life on the Edge, LJ 5/1/95), Dobson advises parents from his overtly conservative, Christian stance. A notable Christian activist, powerfully connected right-winger, and founder and president of Focus on the Family, he has written a work with seemingly good intentions: "If you are honest, trustworthy, caring, loving, self-disciplined, and God-fearing, your boys will be influenced by those traits as they age.... So much depends on what they observe in you." True enough. His underlying arguments, however, are peculiarly mean-spirited. Any outsider who threatens traditional family values comes under fierce attack. Most early feminists, for example, "were never married, didn't like children, and deeply resented men, yet they advised millions of women about how to raise their children and, especially, how to produce healthy boys." Dobson also avows that gays suffer from a "disorder." Clearly, the titular advice and encouragement serve Dobson's agenda. While this book is appropriate for certain religious collections, public librarians should exercise caution; there are Christian parenting titles (e.g., William Sears, M.D., & Martha Sears's The Complete Book of Christian Parenting and Child Care, Broadman & Holman, 1997) that don't polemicize and defame as does this. Douglas C. Lord, Connecticut State Lib., Hartford Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Dobson, a psychologist and family counselor, takes a decidedly conservative approach to the "special challenge of raising boys." Celebrating the natural differences between boys and girls, Dobson outlines biological differences, particular issues in disciplining boys, and the different roles of mothers and fathers. He scoffs at those who attribute differences to social factors. Dobson is particularly critical of feminists and their influence on American culture, for example, the advent of nonsexist toys. Dobson sees the "future of Western civilization" dependent on how we handle the "crisis" of raising the next generation of men. Much of his advice on boy-rearing issues, from discipline to attention deficit disorder to coping with divorce, is biblically based. Each chapter ends with a question-and-answer format. The most controversial chapter examines the origins of homosexuality, calling it a "disorder" that can be cured. Conservative and Christian readers may enjoy Dobson's book; other readers are likely to take issue with some of his observations. Vanessa Bush
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Book Description
With so much confusion about the role of men in our society, it's no wonder so many parents and teachers are at a loss about how to bring up boys. Our culture has vilified masculinity and, as a result, boys are suffering. Parents, teachers, and others involved in shaping the character of boys have many questions. In Bringing Up Boys, Dr. James Dobson, America's most trusted authority on family issues, tackles these questions and offers advice and encouragement based on a firm foundation of biblical principles. Bringing Up Boys--a must-read book for parents, teachers, social workers, youth leaders, counselors--anyone involved in the challenge of turning boys into good men. The audio book is read by world-renowned narrator Frank Muller and punctuated by original music.

FROM OUR EDITORS

Dr. James Dobson, long considered one of the country's most trusted parenting experts, offers valuable insight on raising young men. With so much confusion about the role of men and masculinity in society today, Dr. Dobson's sensible advice and encouraging words are especially needed.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In the wake of a host of violent and tragic events involving boys and young men, many are asking what we as a society are doing wrong in the way we are raising our boys. Why are we so often failing to develop character in our sons? Why are so many boys in crisis? What qualities should we be trying to instill in young males?

An entire generation of boys is growing up without a clear idea of what it means to be a man. But there is hope. In Bringing Up Boys, Dr. James Dobson, America's foremost authority on the family, provides a road map for raising healthy sons -- for shaping the next generation of responsible, God-honoring men. Drawing on his many years of experience as a child psychologist and family counselor, as well as the latest research, Dr. Dobson offers practical advice and encouragement for parents, teachers, counselors, youth leaders, and others involved in shaping the lives of boys.

SYNOPSIS

2002 Gold Medallion Award winner!

With so much confusion about the role of men in our society, it's no wonder so many parents and teachers are at a loss about how to bring up boys. Our culture has vilified masculinity and, as a result, boys are suffering. Parents, teachers, and others involved in shaping the character of boys have many questions. In Bringing Up Boys, Dr. James Dobson, America's most trusted authority on family issues, tackles these questions and offers advice and encouragement based on a firm foundation of biblical principles. Bringing Up Boys--a must-read book for parents, teachers, social workers, youth leaders, counselors--anyone involved in the challenge of turning boys into good men.