Raising Boys Who Do Better: A Hopeful Guide for a New Generation

by Uju Asika

We need to have a conversation about boys. There has never been a more important time to consider how we are raising the men of the future.

This is an invitation for parents of boys, as well as anyone who cares about the young males in their lives. Parents of daughters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, teachers, community leaders; this is a discussion that we all need to participate in. Whether we are expecting a baby boy, parenting young men, or are simply interested in effecting positive change, many of us are asking how we can raise boys who challenge the status quo and are empowered to stand up for what is right.

Confronting toxic masculinity and delving into the hot-button issues affecting boys today, from education to sexism, power to consent, and mental health, Raising Boys Who Do Better looks at bringing up boys in the era of #MeToo and Black Lives Matter. This book is an absolute must-have for those who want to help nurture the boys in their lives to grow up into compassionate, kind, healthy and successful men.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

Audible Audio

Published June 1, 2023

Reviews

[Esme Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous, hopeful, reassuring and FUNNY. I used to be absolutely terrified at the thought of raising a boy and now I think ok it’s not impossible, I got this.

Also best line I’ve read in a book in ages “you’re not a Crip Jed, you’re literally a Year Six child.”

[Andria · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could have been an email

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mummy of two very small boys, I am so aware of the need to pursue equality; a move away from macho masculinity and the pressures it puts on men in addition to the “silencing” of women and the societal expectations of the genders.
This book is accessible, and written by a mum of boys who is invested in changing the future for our young people, irrespective of their gender.
She writes so animatedly and shares personal thoughts and suggestions. Her tone is lighthearted but carries weight and she finds the humour in the right moments.

Each chapter is shaped to offer guidance and insights from an array of contributors at precise stages of development of the brains of young boys and men. Each chapter culminates in a series of thought provoking questions to share with young people and possible action points to set wheels in motion.

I borrowed this from the library, and will be buying a copy to have as a permanent source of reference on my own shelf.
I am blown away by her work and want to share this with as many people as possible.

[Scarlet · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay. The author pushes some thoughts and political agendas that challenge my traditional values and ways of thinking. The content and messages have a feminist and #blm bias. The research behind statistics presented were valid though many oppositional counter points and statistics to her opinions could have been provided as well as the statistics that support her own points. Her voice is clear in this book and I very much respect it. I did appreciate the critical thinking I was pushed to engage with in regards to questioning what kind of boy I want to raise into a man and made me consider many things I’d like to implement early to lay a solid foundation for my own son as he grows. A lot of the content from this book will lay in the back burner of my mind. I ended up having a very, “take what resonates and leave what doesn’t” mindset while reading. Overall not very powerful or highly impactful but a great resource and tool to get the gears turning on your parenting and being a better parent for sons.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ (poss 5⭐️ once I complete the exercises so have marked it up).
I loved this book and have demanded my husband reads it too. Its one of the few parenting books I've read that doesn't come across as judgemental.
I read it through without doing the exercises so I'll definitely be reading this again and completing those.
My child is only 3 and this book covers so many topics that I thought may not be relevant yet. However there is definitely a lesson to take away from each section, be that for now or as food for thought as he grows.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already know I'll read this again and again.