Raising a Son
- Book Review,
by Don Elium
From Publishers Weekly
In this wide-ranging volume, the Eliums (he is a marriage, family and child counselor; she leads support groups) explore both sides of the nature vs. nurture argument. They believe that the male sex hormone testosterone is the root of both male development and behavior. They also emphasize the need boys have for a strong male role model. Some of their discussions may strike readers as too New Age or vague to be of use, but still, there is solid information here. What the authors do best is to illustrate how both mothers and fathers need to set limits for their sons and enforce those limits when necessary. They do this by citing examples and case studies, which will stir recognition in many families. The authors remind parents that they, too, will have to undergo some self-examination and changes of attitude in dealing with their sons. A handy index of publications, networks, and organizations that can help parents is appended. The Eliums' book may not be the final say-so in child-rearing, but it's an interesting signpost along the way. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
While much has been written about raising children in general, the authors, both family counselors, focus specifically on the challenge of raising sons. They trace the history of pretechnological societies where rites of passage turned boys into men, noting that no such rites exist today in our society. Indeed, by puberty many boys have no father to look up to. The Eliums single out testosterone as the powerful driving force behind the actions of boys and men. Like Robert Bly's Iron John ( LJ 11/15/90), this book explores a new masculine identity, but from the standpoint of the parents' role. Included is a guide to the psyche of sons from birth to maturity. It is recommended for collections serving parents, teachers, counselors, and big brothers.- Linda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, Pa.Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
As the world becomes an increasingly complicated place to raise a child, parents need sensible guidance to help their sons grow into strong, sensitive men. With the perfect blend of experience, patience, compassion, and good humor, Don and Jeanne Elium embrace the unique challenges boys pose for parents in the classic parenting guide RAISING A SON. In this expanded and fully updated edition, you’ll find new information on issues that boys and their parents currently face, such as increasing violence in the media. You’ll also find new sections on sons with special needs, such as the Out-of-Control Son—what triggers his highly aggressive behavior, when and how to find help, coping with guilt, and staying hopeful for the future—and the Highly Sensitive Son—why and when he withdraws or gets overwhelmed, coping with hypersensitivity and ADD, finding the right role model, and helping him help himself. With solid, down-to-earth advice that has been tried and tested by parents for a decade, RAISING A SON remains a trusted guide to understanding and nurturing your son from the cradle through his college years.
From the Publisher
* Fully revised parenting classic that follows the psychological development of boys from infancy through to early adulthood. Appropriate for new and experienced parents. * All-new sections on the media and violence, the "boy code" and age-appropriate morality, and the Out-of-Control Son and the Highly Sensitive Son. * Previous editions have sold more than 225,000 copies.
About the Author
DON ELIUM is a marriage, family, and child counselor with a busy practice. His wife JEANNE ELIUM is a writer, former women’s counselor, and elementary school teacher. They live with their children and a pug named Eddie in Walnut Creek, California.
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