Parent to Parent By Jodie Lynn
Moments for Mom By Elisabeth Corcoran
Ask A Twin Mommy By Cheryl Lage
Mothering By Heart By Cheri Fuller
Jelly Mom By Lisa Barker
Family Check-up By Sheila Wray Gregoire
Simplifying Motherhood By Trish Berg
Making the Most of Marriage By Paula Friedrichsen
Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson
Reviewed by Amy B
The founder and president of Focus on the Family, Dr. James Dobson, has written a book for those of us who want to raise emotionally and spiritually healthy boys. In Bringing Up Boys, Dr. Dobson covers many aspects of raising boys, such as the biological differences between males and females, the role of fathers and mothers in the lives of their sons, and the ill effects of postmodernism. Likely, however, the most controversial issues he covers are the feminist movement and both parents working outside the home.
During the feminist movement, proponents tried to convince society that boys and girls were the same, except for their reproductive systems, and should be treated and raised in exactly the same manner. Unfortunately, our culture eventually welcomed that concept with open arms. We were told to treat our girls more like boys and our boys more like girls. A majority of us started believing boys and girls should act the same, play with the same toys and have the same interests. Even today, masculine qualities are thought of as bad and undesirable. In many commercials, television shows and movies, the men are portrayed in a very negative way.
Although not discussed as thoroughly as the feminist movement, Dr. Dobson also feels only one parent should have a career during the child rearing years. He says "It is my conviction that those who choose to bring a child into the world must give that boy or girl highest priority for a period of time. In a very short time, they will be grown up and on their own." We only have a short time with our kids to teach and model, so they will develop a solid spiritual foundation that will last their lifetime. Although there are sometimes extenuating circumstances for both parents working, unfortunately, in many cases it has more to do with materialism than providing for the family.
It seems that with every generation, our culture gets worldlier. The focus used to be more on God and family, but has increasingly become more about what is good for each individual and who cares about everyone else. Our kids are depending on us to help them learn about God and how they should live their lives. Their faith depends on it and we cannot fail them. When Jesus comes back down to gather up his bride, I pray that my children will be called up with me. It will be my greatest success in life.
If you have a boy, I strongly recommend you read Bringing Up Boys. It provides thought provoking information and it may cause you to reevaluate your priorities in life, especially when it comes to raising your child.
You can find more details about Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson:
here
© Amy, 2004-
Amy is a SAHM of two. She volunteers with her church youth program and at her childrens' schools. She lives in Ohio with her husband, two beautiful children (ages 4 and 9), and a couple slobbery 'fur babies'.