GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

THE PURPOSE OF BOYS is the final volume in Michael Gurian’s trilogy on boys development. In this book, Gurian presents a tool kit for parents who want to discover how to inspire the ultimate fulfillment of their son’s life. As he explains, “purpose” is vital for the success and happiness of every boy.

THE PURPOSE OF BOYS outlines a map parents can use to help their own sons wrestle with everyday life events and growth. And the book serves as a model to help all our sons seek a successful future, while still boys, adolescents, and young men.

The Purpose of Boys could not have arrived at a better time as lately, I’ve come to terms that my parenting techniques  were not working with my 9 year old son. It could be also that I am not communicating effectively with him.  When reprimanded, my son would appear to be remorseful as well as understand what I’m saying but the next minute, he would be repeating the same mischief again. Every now and then, I can hear myself repeating “Back then when I was your age, I was never like that!” .

After reading this insightful book,I learnt from Gurian that it was unfair to make such comparison - “Back then” was close to 3 decades ago and “Now” was a totally different generation where children at a young age, are more exposed to electronic media, educational levels are higher, there are more pressure from society to succeed, etc.

I found some solace  in the fact that studies have proven - Apart from the difference in biological aspects, there are also neurological differences between boys and girls. In other words, a boy’s body and brains are wired differently. Now, that REALLY explains why my kids react differently to my parenting styles. 

Gurian asserts that it is important for boys to find their sense of purpose. Otherwise, they will lose their sense of direction and eventually turn to unhealthy activities such as dropping out from school, turning to drugs, alcohol, gang violence and more. The author recommends utilizing a rite of passage system where parents can join together with other adults—leaders, mentors, coaches—and such institutions as schools and churches, to help boys refocus and get back on track.

My take on the book : Gurian points out that today’s adolescent males are scared, confused and insecure, calls for a change in the way the rest of the world view boys and he offers solutions!  This book gives me so much insight into how I could relate with my 9 year old son. Anyone (especially parents) who is thoughtful about raising sons and committed to doing the best job possible should take a good look at this book!

WIN IT : I’m giving away a copy of The Purpose of Boys to two lucky readers. Check out how you can win:

• Single mandatory entry – Visit The Gurian Institute and tell me one fact about Micheal Gurian
• Three additional entries – If you tweet about this giveaway (please leave your twitter id)
• Three additional entries – If you blog about this giveaway and link it to this post. Please leave your post url
• This giveaway is open to all destination that the USPS ships to.
• Giveaway closes on 28th May 2009 and winners will be drawn using the Random.org.