It's a Boy!: Your Son's Development from Birth to Age 18

(Paperback)

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From the New York Times bestselling co-author of Raising Cain, the book every parent of sons will want and need- the first and only comprehensive guide to raising boys from birth to age 18, now in trade paperback. It's a Boy! provides expert advice on the developmental, psychological, social, emotional, and academic life of boys from infancy through the teen years. Exploring the many ways in which boys strive for masculinity and attempt to define themselves, psychologist Michael Thompson, Ph.D., a leading international expert on boys' development, and journalist Teresa H. Barker identify the key developmental transitions that mark a boy's psychological growth and emotional health, and the challenges both boys and parents face at each age. . Baby Boys (birth to 18 months)- falling in love with your son, healthy attachment, trust, and temperament . Toddler Years (18 months to 3 years)- boys on the go, bold steps, blankies, budding language, and rambunctious physicality . Powerful Little Boys (ages 3 and 4)- superhero ambitions, learning to manage the force of his anger, and celebrating the power of the boy group . Starting School (ages 5 through 7)- developmental cues for school readiness, transitional challenges, tough talk, tender hearts, and first friends . Boys on a Mission (ages 8 through 10)- striving for mastery in sports, organizing the boy brain for school success, and glaring academic gender gaps . The Preteen (ages 11 through 13)- puberty, posturing, and popularity, the culture of cruelty, and stoic silence in the middle school years . Early High School (ages 14 and 15)- powerful peer groups, sexuality, the shift away from Mom, and yearning for Dad's respect and attention . On the Brink of Manhood (ages 16 through 18)- the quest for independence, sex, love, driving, drinking, and other challenges of life Practical, insightful, and engaging, It's a Boy! is the definitive guide to raising boys in today's world, revealing with humor, compassion, and joy all the infinite varieties of boys and the profound ways in which we love them.

Reviews

Its a Boy! is a powerful guide to raising a son in todays world. Filled with stories from the front lines and practical advice, it is gentle and compassionate, yet also moving and beautiful. The heart of a boy beats in every page.Michael Gurian, author of The Wonder of Boys

Im keeping It's a Boy! beside my bed until my sons go to college! I love how the book celebrates boys but still holds them responsible for their actions. Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bees and Wannabes

Michael Thompson has gradually earned his place as the Warren Buffett of child rearing, the real deal. His track record of uncanny timing, his hard-won knowledge, common sense, and humanism have resonated with parents everywhere. Now there is a desperate need to understand our boys more deeply; there is a palpable hunger to learn how to handle our sons better. Its a Boy! does both in a way not seen before. Its a Boy! will help your son to feel more loved, understood, and effectively guided by youforever.Ron Taffel, Ph.D., author of Parenting by Heart: How to Stay Connected to Your Child in a Disconnected World

Spectacular . . . extraordinary insight, enriched by countless poignant and telling stories of boys and their parents and teachers. Its a Boy! is an immensely helpful navigational chart for steering through the shoals of a boys developmental stages.Patrick F. Bassett, president, National Association of Independent Schools

Wise, sensible, accessible, usefulthis is the must-have book every parent of a boy will want and need to turn to as their child grows from a baby to an adolescent. Illuminated by Thompsons years of experience working with boys and their families, this book is chock-full of new insights and the latest science about the ages and stages of boys development. Its a Boy! is a book that parents, educators, health professionals, and policy makers will go back to again and again and each time come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of why boys will be boys.Robie H. Harris, author of Its Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health

Bringing together the latest research and the most timeless knowledge and wisdom, this monumental book is unique, invaluable, and urgently important. Any person who cares about boys must own this book, as it addresses every relevant question and provides not only authoritative answers but also comfort, warmth, enthusiasm, and spark. What a truly amazing achievement, what a gift Dr. Thompson has given us all.Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., author of Delivered from Distraction: Getting the Most Out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder

Author Bio

Michael Thompson, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, lecturer, consultant, and former seventh-grade teacher. He conducts workshops across the United States and internationally on social cruelty, children's friendships, and boys' development. With Dan Kindlon, Ph.D., he co-authored the New York Times bestseller Raising Cain- Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys, which was adapted into an acclaimed documentary shown on PBS. With Teresa H. Barker he co-authored The Pressured Child- Helping Your Child Find Success in School and Life and Speaking of Boys- Answers to the Most-Asked Questions About Raising Sons. With Catherine O'Neill Grace and Lawrence J. Cohen, Ph.D., he co-authored Best Friends, Worst Enemies- Understanding the Social Lives of Children and Mom, They're Teasing Me- Helping Your Child Solve Social Problems. Dr. Thompson is married and the father of two. He lives in Arlington, Massachusetts, and can be reached at www.michaelthompson-phd.com. Teresa Barker, who collaborated with Michael Thompson on Raising Cain, Speaking of Boys, and The Pressured Child, is a journalist whose other book collaborations include Girls Will Be Girls, The Soul of Money, and In the Moment. Barker is married and the mother of a son and two daughters. She lives in Portland, Oregon.