Customer Reviews

Strong Mothers, Strong Sons: Raising the Next Generation of Men

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book was a lifesaver in my dealing with my 13-year old son who seemed determined to take out all his frustrations and anger at his parents' divorce on me. Understanding why he is the way he is and what is normal and not normal has helped me enjoy being around him more. This book gave me the strength to stand my ground with my son who is constantly pushing the limits to the max. I wish my ex-husband would read the book because I think Caron's insight into boys is invaluable, regardless of whether you are a mom or dad.

I read this book when it was new over 10 years ago. My son is now 24 years old.

I raised him alone because his father was an absent parent (aka - an alcoholic). To top off our disadvantage, I was a teen parent. But, I was a strong mother and indeed raised a strong son. He has excelled both in college (graduated summa cum laude from a top west coast university) and is now very successful as an IT manager/consultant. And, he is an extremely caring yet mature young man. He respects females in the work place as well as all people in general. He isn't afraid to take on tough business challenges and see through these challenges to the end.

I am blessed to have a son that is someone to be very proud of. I am very fortunate that he still comes to me for support and openly communicates to me about his life. This book helped provide me with simply the "guts" to be a strong mother when it was most needed during his teen years and into his college years.

I advise all moms toughing it out alone to read this book and find the bravery to be the best you can be for your son. Let him experience life, but guide him with an open and loving, but firm hand. It will pay off!

I found this book to be useful in understanding why my son was already entering teenage rebellion at the age of 12. The advice to give more independence while staying in charge on things that REALLY matter was invaluable. I convinced my husband to participate in this process which was not easy. The result was excellent and within one year he was in control of his own behavior without constant supervision. He is now 18 and we never had any major difficulties during his teenage. I do not know why a male reviewer was so negative about the book but I totally disagree. The book is based on research and confirmed by information in other books that were published somewhat later (written by men such as Michael Gurian's "The Wonder of Boys")

I'm not a psychologist or a teacher, just the mother of a son. I wish I had found this book earlier in my son's life, because I would have handled some very difficult years differently. This book gives insight and clarity to boys and young men. As the oldest daughter growing up in a family of all girls, I had no idea that boys were so emotionally different. When I was a new mother, I struggled constantly trying to understand my son, raise him well in a divorced-home, and deal with his unexpected rages and reckless behavior. I stumbled upon this book when he was about 15 and although, I couldn't do anything about the previous 15 years, it helped to know that some of what he was going through was normal. The book gave me ideas on how to handle other things. The hardest thing I ever did was tell my son that I loved him very much, but unless he followed the rules in my house and respected me, he was not welcome. It took awhile, but the day he was finally able to tell me he loved me was worth every tear I cried. Today, he is 24 years old, a college graduate, and working in a start-up business that he loves. All great things, but what impresses me the most about him, is his ability for compassion and kindness (something I was sure he would never acquire). He has a wonderful girlfriend of 3 years and I can honestly say, he appreciates her independence and respects her. His relationship with his younger sister is strong. In the past two months, his stepfather had health problems and as I work out of state, my son took the initiative to help his stepfather as much as he could until I got home.

I'm sure part of his behavior is due to maturity, but I also think this book helped me be a better mother.

Ann Caron is a great writer, with great information. Wish I had had this knowledge when my sons were entering puberty. Must reading for parents of sons and daughters.

In attempting to better understand my son after divorce, I read this, as one of perhaps a dozen books that were recommended. In a short summary, and as a divorced dad, I believe this author should stick to what she understands, girls and their mothers. There are much better books if you are interested in understanding how boys grow, and how to help them mature.