Book Review: “Raising Boys by Design”

What a delightful read!

Two authors, Gregory L. Jantz and Michael Gurian, combine to write this very insightful volume about being a parent to boys. The two authors both come from a religious background, but bring different areas of expertise, as one knows brain science and the other is a “pastor.” The work blends their two worlds and provides great helpful material for those of us who are trying to raise boys.

Obviously, each boy is an individual and not every word on every page will apply to every boy. The authors readily admit that, but also point out that research indicates that about 80% of boys fit the “usual” mold in large degree.

To me, the most helpful part of the book were the sections dealing with brain types and formation. The research is there, but is presented in a very readable format. The way a boy’s brain develops truly does make a difference in how parents need to interact with him, virtually from infancy.

The only negative takeaway is that the book spoke in very general terms at times, trying to cover boys of all ages. That is the point of the book, but at times, I found it frustrating.

Overall, though, this is a book for parents of any boy, and I would also recommend it to those who counsel parents from time-to-time.

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Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Raising Boys by Design from “Blogging for Books” in exchange for reading and reviewing the volume. I was not required to give a positive review.