Real Boys Workbook: The Definitive Guide to Understanding and Interacting with Boys of All Ages

Dr. William Pollack, clinical psychologist and bestselling author of Real Boys and Real Boys' Voices, continues his fight against dangerous gender stereotypes with this essential, satisfyingly hefty volume for parents, teachers, and coaches of boys. He aims to crack the "boy code" (basically, society's unfair assumption that boys are testosterone-driven animals who must convey machismo at all costs) by getting readers to reflect on their own thoughts, feelings, and habitual responses. Designed to stand on its own, Real Boys Workbook revisits material covered in Pollack's other books: spot-on anecdotes about boys and their parents, boys suppressing emotions, boys and sports, plus a humbling dose of smart suggestions for using empathy, shared activities, and respect to nurture their loving qualities. In addition, it provides a broad range of open-ended questions to lead well-intentioned readers toward a path of more constructive behavior.

Readers can easily zero in on chapters that will address their immediate concerns (including aggression, loss, competitiveness, and adolescence). And each chapter is accompanied by a thoughtfully composed set of questions. Some draw vivid scenarios for adults to ponder that are analogous to common boyhood experiences (like being dropped off at daycare), in which the boy is expected to keep a stiff upper lip. Others ask readers to critically examine their beliefs, observations, and typical responses to situations arising at school, at home, and on the ball field. Much of the broad self-awareness generated through Pollack's exercises will benefit folks who interact with children of either gender (a broad audience indeed). The trick will be getting this self-awareness into the hands of thosewho need it most. --Liane Thomas