That's My Son: How Moms Can Influence Boys to Become Men of Character

Excellent guide for a woman raising a boy. I lost my husband to cancer a year ago. Our son was just 4yo. Besides grieving, i felt (and still feeling) so overwhelmed by the huge responsibility of raising my son without his father (a wonderful godly man). But I Thank God for this book. I've read other books about parenting, they've been good, but always add the relationship with the husband. This is the firts book I've read that is written for single mothers on mind, which made me feel I'm not alone. Also, love that the book is written by a man, which gives me a completely different perspective. I enjoyed and sure recommend it for other single women raising boys.

I have been a single mother for about 5 years, my son just recently turned 10. For sometime I knew deep inside that I was missing some insight on specific areas of a boys development, and that I quickly needed to figure it out. My son is changing, developing into a young man and I needed help! I bought this book and have to admit, the first couple of chapters are difficult to get thru...not because they are hard to read, but you have to keep a very open mind. So it was an internal battle for me, but once I got past it...wow! this was exactly what I was needing. Good advice and insight into boys and how they think and the important subjects that us as women, cannot relate to or begin to understand. This has given me a good idea on the things I need to work on with my son and has opened our communication about "touchy subjects". I am looking forward to reading the next book for older boys.God Bless all the single mothers out there! We are not the first, and we are not the last, but we can do ALL things thru Christ who strengthens us!

I love that this book was written by a man. It gave me a lot of insight into my HUSBAND as well as my boys (I have three--and no girls, so there's a lot of testosterone around here!) Mr. Johnson does a great job of writing TO females ABOUT males. He uses specific examples of behaviors that frustrate most wives/moms, and then he explains them. You don't get the feeling that he is offering up excuses for boys. He explains, and then gives suggestions on how to use it to your advantage.One example: He talks about how women want to have serious talks with eye contact, etc. That makes boys nervous and they shut down. He suggested talking to them while they are a little occupied. I started hanging out in the driveway with my 10 year old, rebounding his basketball shots, and I was amazed at the things he'd open up about. At first I just listened to whatever was on his mind at the moment, but quickly I would bring up things I wanted to talk about, and he'd respond!There are a lot of things like that in the book. It is definitely worth buying--I've read it several times and made tons of notes to myself...I go back for a "refresher" once in a while.

This book has a lot of great information about boys and I am finding it quite useful in opening my eyes. I have only sisters and my father that worked a lot. I never understood the wild aggressive nature of boys, especially my own son. It has given me the desire to continue to do a lot more research on this subject. I also find myself watching and reacting to my son in a much more open-minded, less judgmental way.I do find it a bit biased on the side of "boys who need to become men who will lead and take care of their women" - almost in a way that infers that women can't quite take care of themselves. I'm all for my some becoming a good husband and father someday but he doesn't need to be the leader of the pack. As long as he believes in himself enough to do what he loves and lives with integrity I'll be happy. It was just a little strong for me, on the greater Christian destiny of men to accomplish what God intended them to do, but this may be perfect for some moms.

Being a full-time mom today is anything but politically correct. Our culture has reduced mothering to a side dish, a mere part of the meal. But, the truth is that motherhood IS a full-time vocation which requires more devotion than any career or pursuit. It is a job from which a woman never retires, a title which a woman will keep into eternity. And, today, who needs mothers most? Our young men. Boys in our culture are under attack like never before, and the men of the previous generation are failing as husbands, fathers and leaders.If you're a mom and you're passionate about raising your son to be a man of character, a man of integrity, a man of virtue, a leader then you must read "That's My Son".There are a plethora of wonderful Christian books about raising boys, from Robert Lewis' "Raising A Modern Day Knight" to Steve Farrar's "King Me". But, none of them are written specifically for the woman of the home, the mother. Mr. Johnson has filled that void and done it comprehensively.There are only three parenting books that I keep in my library, to reference again and again. "The Mission of Motherhood" and "The Ministry of Motherhood" by Sally Clarkson and "That's My Son" by Rick Johnson.

I was hesitant that this book would place too much emphasis on religion...but I think it makes a valid point about the role of religion in a child's life (no matter what that religion is even if it is just a spirituality). Right after this book, I read a book on the same topic but written by a pediatrician with two sons. I did not think her book was as insightful as Johnson's (and she also agreed with the role of religion). Johnson has a very engaging narrative style that makes his points at the same time holding your attention. He also entertains you with relevant stories to demonstrate his points making the book and enjoyable and quick read. Mom's will definitely walk away having learned a thing or two about how boys - and men - think. And while there are certain male specific pieces of advice that have to do with how boys think and what motivates them....I should point out that much of the advice he gives would also be applicable raising daughters with character (holding your kids accountable, providing good role models, for instance).

Well received gift

I think the title is misleading the reader. Couldn't even finish once that's so not what I was looking for.