Teenage Boys: Surviving and Enjoying These Extraordinary Years

by Bill Beausay

It’s time to show up for your son in a big way.

A teenage boy’s world is a dynamic, unpredictable place. That’s why stringent parenting “techniques” don’t always bring about the results we expect. Though we know there’s a lot riding on our ability to wisely parent teenage sons, it’s hard to know the best way to proceed–and parents are often overwhelmed by the challenge. But now, in this fun and down-to-earth guide, Bill Beausay offers six fresh principles that can help you overcome your fears and powerfully shape the man inside your teenage boy.

Bring out the best in your teenage son.
 
You know that you need to be involved in your son’s life. But just being there physically isn’t enough. Parents who enjoy the most success in raising teen boys are present in dramatic, colorful, in-your-face ways. Teenage Boys! Will help you discover how you can develop a clear, do-able plan that will significantly impact your teen’s life–and your own.

Now with answers to the most frequently asked questions about parenting teen boys.

Expanded to address the issues that matter most to teenage boys and their parents.

Includes advice for two-parent families, single parents, grandparents, and stepparents.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Self Help, Family

304 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1998

Reviews

[Roxane · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was easy to read and offered some great reminders like my teenager is more of an adult than a child and the importance of making your clear expectations for him. Plus it is a good mix of practical advice and some biblical insight.

[Brandi D'Angelo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An oldie but goody from the 1970's, Teenage Boys gives parents some excellent tools for turning their reckless teenage sons into a respectful, contributing adults. Some of the advice was a repeat of other parenting books such as posting family rules and setting limits. However, I found some less mainstream advice such as creating a rite of passage. If one main event or rite doesn't work, the author suggested to have the father respond to the son's various "man challenges" in a way that pressures him, but lets him win and feel victorious, and therefore, worthy of manhood. What a great idea!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I thought this was quite good. I took off a star because I have a slightly different world view than the author, which is fine, but there were a few parts that I had some issues with. Those differences weren't as significant in the first part of the book... But the second half started to lose me a little.
I took off another star because scouts wasn't discussed. Scouts can give a lot of the same benefits as sports and has the rites of manhood built in too.

[Robin Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, Beausay's evangelical Christian perspective, while a turn-off for me in many ways, serves this book, which has some really fine tips and reminders about how not to butt heads with our beautiful sons, our beautiful emerging butterflies, when they get stuck in the ugly cocoon of adolescence. Jesus was, after all, a pretty amazing young man, even if you don't believe he could really walk on water. Surprisingly, to me, the author's perspective does not often lead to authoritarian advice, though it does (refreshingly, perhaps?) emphasize that we are still the parents, they the children (transitional though they may be) and while their opinion counts a lot, a home with a teen boy should not be a democracy. They are driven entirely by pleasure and haven't yet developed the moderating/reasoning brain, and that is where parents need to be. Interesting to read.

[Debby Quintero · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author has some great insights on how to reach the young men of today. Some of which includes really listening to them (even when our gut instinct is to jump in w/our own views), providing them w/boundaries & just plain being available. This is all common sense, but some of us need a little more encouragement when we feel like we might be failing as a parent. He encourages parents to press on this is just one stage in their lives.

[The Reading Countess · Rating 4 out of 5]

After hearing me bemoan parenting my oldest son, a friend loaned me her copy of this book. Written with a Christian view, this easy-to-read book about how to guide our boys into strong men was just what I needed. Some new information coupled with some affirming beliefs made this an enjoyable afternoon read.

[Tonya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good tips but a little too preachy and glibly "biblical." Maybe because I'm super annoyed w the Christian Right in the country everything "bible based" makes me instantly skeptical and irritated. I liked the direction and insight -but it could have been done without the glory halalujahs. I found myself eye rolling through parts just like my tween does!

[Lin · Rating 3 out of 5]

o.k., so maybe i'm a little late to the party on this one! all the same, it was comforting to know that most of my teen concerns are really just normal teenage behaviour! i also picked up more than a few good tips on how to stay the path, while gaining insight on circumventing potential future issues.

[Vicki Garza]

I haven't actually started reading this book yet. However, the back cover synopsis brought instant tears to my eyes. So I know this is a book I was meant to read. I'll let you know, once I get into it, if it thrills or disappoints.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ongoing read. Still refer back to it.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's an informative book, okay reading and advice.

[Amy Plitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great book. Useful insight by a Christian man into the minds of adolescent boys.