"Secure Daughter, Confident Sons," by Glenn T. Stanton and was impressed. There is a lot of research in this book (science and religion don't have to contradict each other) as well as some biblical backing. Overall, this is a solid read for Christian parents. For non-Christians, it still has some great advice, but some parts of it may grate on you.
As the father of a daughter and two sons, I could see the gender-specific characteristics in my children that Stanton outlines in the book. I'm encouraged in the ways my wife and I can help guide our daughter and sons into healthy manhood and womanhood. Boys don't become men by accident. Men are made. Similarly, men need to initiate boys into manhood, and this can be done through creative ceremonies. Men need to challenge boys, calling out the man that is in them. They need to show boys what it looks like to be a man of God, and challenge them to follow that example.
"Stanton states clearly in the book, that there isn't a difference in value between men and women, boys and girls, but there is a clear difference in role and other attributes. The author doesn't seek to further the macho-man, little-princess-girl mentality. Nor does he push the everyone is the same agenda. Very clearly, Stanton wants us to know that there is a middle ground, and he intends to stay there."
I appreciated the parenting advice in this book, having three small children: a son and boy/girl twins and probably future children, this is nice to have. For those who are in single-parent homes, there is still wisdom to be gleaned, but it might be a little tougher to weed out. I don't think that is an indictment against that segment of the population. Instead, I think Stanton had to focus on one group of parents, and that is the group he chose.
Overall, this is a nice book by an author who has done his research. It is also a book on a topic that can be a little politically-charged. It's nice to see someone able to come into that environment and present a reasonable argument. I would recommend it!
Publishers description….
Raise secure, confident kids in a gender-confused world
In this eye-opening book, family researcher Glenn T. Stanton offers a clear vision for why gender matters in how we raise our children. His thought-provoking insights expose the problems with stifling stereotypes and damaging cultural assumptions, then highlight a practical pathway for guiding children into healthy manhood and womanhood.
You’ll discover…
· what gender-appropriate behavior looks like at various ages—and why you shouldn’t panic if your toddler boy plays with his sister’s dolls.
· how to help your daughter become secure in her sense of significance—whether she prefers chasing butterflies or shooting hoops.
· how to inspire your son to compete and take healthy risks—in ways that fit his unique personality.
· how moms and dads complement one another as they discipline differently, comfort differently, and influence differently.
· what you can do on a daily basis to nurture your children’s God-given design and help them resist the pressure to conform to arbitrary cultural rules.
With practical tools, well-researched insights, and real-life scenarios, this book equips parents to launch daughters who are secure in the power of their femininity and sons who are confident in their strength to make a difference in the world.
What is being said….
"The culture tells us that the lines separating male and female are meaningless, but Glenn Stanton has tapped into the critical importance of recognizing and cultivating the distinct qualities of boys and girls. His book gives parents practical tools to help them appreciate and develop the femininity of their dauthers and the masculinity of their sons. Glenn's work demonstrates that each gender is uniquely gifted by God for a purpose, and by celebrating these gender-specific behaviors and attitudes, we strengthen families and help men and women find purpose and fulfillment."
-Jim Daly, president and CEO of Focus on the Famliy
- Paperback: 288 pages
- Publisher: Multnomah Books (January 18, 2011)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1601422946
- ISBN-13: 978-1601422941
***Please note that I received this book for free from Waterbrook-Multnomah in exchange for this unbiased review.
