Why Boys Don't Talk and Why We Care : A Mother's Guide to Connection [Paperback]

Susan Morris Shaffer (Author), Linda Perlman Gordon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2000

Why Boys Don't Talk and Why We Care addresses the challenges of raising teenage boys and describes creative and realistic strategies for connecting with and staying close to boys.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The topic of gender differences usually comes up in child development literature. Much of it has focused on girls and their unique needs during development. In this book, however, Shaffer and Gordon, a gender equity specialist and a clinical social worker, respectively, explore in great depth the traps of male adolescence, especially the lack of "range of emotional expression." By discussing theories concerning boys' behavior, readers are given an excellent introduction to various psychological, sociological, and educational approaches currently used by professionals. In a light and breezy tone, the authors mix parental observations with their professional expertise to create an informative and practical book. Interesting sidebars, exercises, checklists, great appendixes, and a wonderful bibliography make this especially helpful to parents or professionals who work with boys. Highly recommended for public libraries.DMee-Len Hom, Hunter Coll. Lib., New York
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

This is an important book. As both an educator and parent, I found [it] to be a profound "wake up call." -- Lee Canter, author of Assertive Discipline

This is an important book. As both an educator and parent, I found Why Boys Don't Talk and Why We Care: A Mother's Guide to Connection, to be a profound "wake-up call." -- Lee Canter, Author of Assertive Discipline

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 164 pages
• Publisher: Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium (April 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967961106
• ISBN-13: 978-0967961101
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #982,421 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a great book for mothers of sons, August 7, 2000

By 

Sleeping better now "Sleepless no more" (Tallahasee, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Boys Don't Talk and Why We Care : A Mother's Guide to Connection (Paperback)

I enjoyed this book tremendously, not only as a mother of three sons, but as a psychotherapist actively working with many of the issues presented in the book. As a mother, it helps me to realize that I should listen more to my gut and trust my instincts to stay close to my sons. As a professional, I believe the book adds a thoughtful new way to think about the adolescent task of separation and individuation. As a professonal and parent, I support the idea that adolescence is a time for renegotiating a new relationship with one's parents rather than severing ones relationship with his parents. This is a very valuable book. I loved it!

Roberta Shapiro, M.Ed;LCSW; NBCCH. Diplomate, American Board of Psychotherapy

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great blend of intelligence and readibility!!, November 30, 2000

By 

Lauren (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Boys Don't Talk and Why We Care : A Mother's Guide to Connection (Paperback)

I love this book. It is a real gem. I have bought it for many of my friends for Christmas. The authors discuss with great clarity, issues that I face everyday with my son. While I often don't finish many parenting books that I buy, I have thoroughly read this book once and have referred back to it several times. The sidebars and excercises are fun to do and the checklists and bibliography are invaluable- I highly recommend it.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable resource for parents, May 19, 2000

By 

Linda Shevitz (Greenbelt, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Why Boys Don't Talk and Why We Care : A Mother's Guide to Connection (Paperback)

Why Boys Don't Talk and Why We Care is an excellent resource for parents, educators, and community members in better understanding the realities of boys' lives and for providing support for boys in forming positive self-concepts and strong interpersonal relationships. The book contains clearly presented reviews of research on boys' development, as well as dozens of anecdotes gathered in focus groups with adolescent boys and girls and parents. It includes many useful strategies and activities for parents to use in exploring their relationships with their sons. The book sets a positive and inclusive tone which recognizes the need to look at cultural, ethnic, and economic factors in boys' lives, as well as at gender-related expectations. It also discusses the need to address issues impacting on girls as well as boys, and does not place "blame" on any group or area of society for problems and challenges faced by boys. The book is a thought-provoking publication which inspires readers to open and maintain dialogues with boys about the realities of their lives.