Raising Boys to Be Good Men : A Parent's Guide to Bringing up Happy Sons in a World Filled with Toxic Masculinity

"If you are the parent of a boy . . . this is the book you need . . . insightful, enlightened, practical." —Peggy Orenstein, New York Times bestselling author of Boys & Sex From the dad who created the viral tweet supporting his son wearing nail polish, this essential parenting guide shares 36 parenting tips for battling gender norms, bringing down "man up" culture, and helping sons realize their potential. Our boys are in a crisis. Toxic masculinity and tough guy-ism are on display daily from our leaders, and we see anger, dysfunction, violence, and depression in young men who are suffocated by harmful social codes. Our young sons are told to stop throwing like a girl. They hear phrases like "man up" when they cry. They are told "boys will be boys" when they behave badly. The "Girl Power" movement has encouraged women to be whoever and do whatever they want, but that sentiment is not often extended to boys. Just watch the bullying when boys try ballet, paint their fingernails, or play with a doll. But we can treat this problem—and the power lies in the hands of parents. It's not only possible to raise boys who aren't emotionally stifled and shoved into stereotypical gender boxes; it's vital if we want a generation of men who can express their emotions, respect women, and help nurse society back to a halfway healthy place. We can reframe manhood. From Aaron Gouveia, who gained viral fame after tweeting his support for his son's painted fingernails (and who knows toxic masculinity very well), learn practical and actionable tips such as: Don't accept different standards for moms and dads Teach boys that "girl" is not an insult and retire phrases like "boys will be boys" Show boys that expressing their emotions and being physical is a good thing Let boys pursue nontraditional interests and hobbies Talk to boys about consent and privilege Model healthy and respectful relationships for boys to emulate Penned with equal parts humor, biting snark, and lived advice, Raising Boys to Be Good Men is the essential parenting guide for raising sons to realize their potential outside the box. ​ "If you are the parent of a boy . . .this is the book you need . . . insightful, enlightened,practical. " Peggy Orenstein, New York Times bestselling author of Boys & Sex From the dad who created the viral tweet supporting his son wearing nail polish, this essential parenting guide shares 38 parenting tips for battling gender norms, bringing down "man up" culture, and helping sons realize their potential. Our boys are in a crisis. Toxic masculinity and tough guy-ism are on display daily from our leaders, and we see anger, dysfunction, violence, and depression in young men who are suffocated by harmful social codes. Our young sons are told to stop throwing like a girl. They hear phrases like man up when they cry. They are told boys will be boys when they behave badly. The Girl Power movement has encouraged women to be whoever and do whatever they want, but that sentiment is not often extended to boys. Just watch the bullying when boys try ballet, paint their fingernails, or play with a doll. But we can treat this problemand the power lies in the hands of parents. It's not only possible to raise boys who aren't emotionally stifled and shoved into stereotypical gender boxes; it's vital if we want a generation of men who can express their emotions, respect women, and help nurse society back to a halfway healthy place. We can reframe manhood. From Aaron Gouveia, who gained viral fame after tweeting his support for his sons painted fingernails (and who knows toxic masculinity very well), learn practical and actionable tips such as: Dont accept different standards for moms and dads Teach boys that girl is not an insult and retire phrases like boys will be boys Show boys that expressing their emotions and being physical is a good thing Let boys pursue nontraditional interests and hobbies Talk to boys about consent and privilege Model healthy and respectful relationships for boys to emulate Penned with equal parts humor, biting snark, and lived advice, Raising Boys to Be Good Men is the essential parenting guide for raising sons to realize their potential outside the box. A parent’s guide and an “unflinching” account of the author’s “journey through the minefield of masculinity to become a better husband, dad, and human” (Michael Ian Black, comedian and New York Times–bestselling author of A Better Man). Toxic masculinity is on display daily from public figures—and we see anger, dysfunction, violence, and depression in young men suffocated by harmful social codes. Our sons are told to stop throwing like a girl. They’re ordered to “man up” when they cry. They hear “boys will be boys” when they behave badly. These messages are damaging—as is the bullying that often follows attempts by boys to just relax and be themselves. But the power lies in the hands of parents to make things better. It's not only possible to raise boys who aren't emotionally stifled and shoved into stereotypical boxes; it's vital if we want a generation of men who can express their emotions, respect women, and help bring society back to a halfway healthy place. We can reframe manhood. From the father who gained viral fame after tweeting his support for his son’s painted fingernails (and who knows toxic masculinity very well), this is an often-humorous personal account and a source of practical tips on: Teaching boys that “girl” is not an insult and retiring phrases like “boys will be boys” Showing boys that dealing with their emotions makes them stronger, not “weak” Letting boys pursue nontraditional interests and hobbies Talking to boys about consent and privilege Modeling healthy and respectful relationships for boys to emulate “If you are the parent of a boy . . . this is the book you need . . . insightful, enlightened, practical.” —Peggy Orenstein, New York Times-bestselling author of Boys & Sex “He’s an engaging guide . . . Gouveia approaches his subject with honesty and concern for the dad as much as the son.” —The Washington Post "If you are the parent of a boy . . . this is the book you need . . . insightful, enlightened, practical. " —Peggy Orenstein, author of Boys & Sex From the dad who created the viral tweet supporting his son wearing nail polish, this essential parenting guide shares 38 parenting tips for battling gender norms, bringing down "man up" culture, and helping sons realize their potential. Our boys are in a crisis. Toxic masculinity and tough guy-ism are on display daily from our leaders, and we see anger, dysfunction, violence, and depression in young men who are suffocated by harmful social codes. Our young sons are told to stop throwing like a girl. They hear phrases like "man up" when they cry. They are told "boys will be boys" when they behave badly. The "Girl Power" movement has encouraged women to be whoever and do whatever they want, but that sentiment is not often extended to boys. Just watch the bullying when boys try ballet, paint their...