Sunday, July 25, 2010

What Your Son Isn’t Telling You

SON_MECHANICAL_CS3.indd What Your Son Isn’t Telling You: Unlocking the Secret World of Teen Boys
Written by Michael Ross and Susie Shellenberger
Published at Bethany House

About the Book

Keys to Understanding Your Son's Heart and Mind

Your son struggles with the constant pressure to prove himself--in the classroom, on the playing field, and especially among his friends. And while he may put up a tough exterior, deep inside he hungers for family support and connection. You long to be there for him, but chances are he's put up a formidable wall of silence, leaving you wondering how to break through.

In What Your Son Isn't Telling You, teen experts Michael Ross and Susie Shellenberger offer a rare glimpse into the secret lives of teen boys--behind-the-scenes footage you might miss in the day-to-day life of your son--accompanied by practical advice on how to provide the support and connection your son desperately needs.

Packed with real-life stories and emails from teen guys, this must-read will give you a new understanding of what your son isn't telling you.

Who are Michael Ross and Susie Shellenberger?

Michael Ross is a veteran youth communicator and former editor of Breakaway, a national magazine for teen guys published by Focus on the Family. His online advice column--"HEY MIKE!"--was read by thousands worldwide each month. Michael is also the author of more than 18 books for young people, including the Gold Medallion winner BOOM: A Guy's Guide to Growing Up and a bestselling devotional, Faith That Breathes. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Colorado Springs with their young son, Christopher, and two cats.

Susie Shellenberger was founding editor of Focus on the Family's Brio magazine for teen girls in 1990 and continued to serve as editor for more than two decades. A former youth pastor and a high school teacher, she has written more than forty books, is in demand as an international speaker for women's groups and teens, and started the Brio Mother/Daughter Cruise for Focus on the Family. Susie lives in Colorado Springs and recently launched a new magazine for teen girls, Susie.

My Thoughts

Having three sons and one that has turned 9 this year, I realize that the teenage years will be knocking at our door quickly.    Consequently, when I was offered to review What You Son Isn’t Telling You I jumped on the opportunity.    I think a parent should always be prepared for adolescence and it is never too early to get started.

Right away, I live the credentials of the authors.   We love Focus on the Family and knowing that both authors worked with the teen magazines from Focus means a lot for me.   And honestly, I think this book cover about every aspects of the teenage turbulent years that a young man can face.   From issues like sex, lust and dating to problems like anger and depression, this little gem of a book will guide you on how to connect with your son, how to encourage him, how to help when needed and how to be there for him as well.    It reminds parents that it is normal to go through hard time while the body is changing and what needs to be re-affirmed for the young man in your life.

This book also contains real-life stories, and emails from teen guys.   For each subjects approached in the book, you can read what teen guys are thinking and what issues they face on a day-to-day basis.    It’s not easy to be a teen and parents needs a refresher course I think.  This book does that.  

Personally, I didn’t have any siblings so I was clueless about the issues a teenage guy can face during those years.   Now I am more educated and willing to be flexible when the time comes.   I suspect that I will have to re-read this book in a couple of years just to be more ready.    And with three boys I think I will have to refer to this book quite often in the years to come.  *grin*  

I also discovered that a version for girl is available.   And since we also have a daughter in our family, one of these days I would like to get the girl version.  But for now, I will enjoy her as she is two years old.  

This review was possible because I received a copy of What Your Son Isn’t Telling You: Unlocking the Secret World of Teen Boys from Bethany House.

What You Son Isn’t Telling You: Unlocking the Secret World of Teen Boys is available everywhere even at amazon.ca.

Technorati Tags: ,

No comments:

Post a Comment