I didn't grow up around boys...so I'm hoping that this book will be quite educational and eye-opening for me. Yes, I have a brother...but let's be honest, growing up with Lee was nothing like growing up with the typical brother. Even looking toward my extended family I didn't have a lot of boy influences - 2 male cousins out of 6 (and the second wasn't born until I was already in High School). Needless to say, I think I have a lot to learn in the raising a boy department - let alone raising a "real man."
I'm not sure if/how the fact that this advice is coming from a mom who homeschools her children will affect the overall message of the book...but I am looking forward to the "biblical perspective" that it says it will provide. I'm not sure how to interpret the claim that our culture is "frought with gender confusion" - I can certainly think of some examples of how gender roles have blended over time, but I don't know if I would use such strong language to describe our overall culture. I'm looking forward to being able to recognize the traits of boys as traits of real men in the making :-)
Interesting to see your perspective on raising boys. My experience is the opposite. I've only had men and boys in my life. I love the process of boys becoming men. I've seen it with my brothers (though still a work in progress) and I'm excited to encourage it in my own boys.
ReplyDeleteThe world has a deep shortage of good men and so I've seen the gift of three sons as a call from God to raise them into role models.
I find it to be a big call. in my opinion, there are a lot of challenges to create good opportunities for boys to do the things that helps engender responsible manhood. I don't know if the book touches on this since she home schools, but i would be curious to hear perspectives from the teachers since one area that I've read to be a big challenge is the way school is structured. I've been wrestling with how my boys are going to be educated moving forward as Eddie is approaching school age.
I applaud all your efforts just for having this discussion. Jay once told me the biggest problem facing the earth is lack of good fathers. I have to say I agree with him. I could not of imagined facing the storm of raising a daughter and 4 sons without the stead balance of dad. It's nice to share the view from where nana and papa sit together........
ReplyDeleteThe biggest thing I think my children did in preparing to raise real men is marry incredible strong good character spouses.
The biggest challenge facing my grandchildren is that unlike the world I raised my children in, ("many will come in my name" says the Lord) discernment of where and how to get spiritually feed.