Between raking a couple of million leaves, spatchcocking and roasting a turkey, and running until my plantar fasciitis has left me hobbling, I have been plowing through Rosalind Wiseman’s newest book, Masterminds and Wingmen, which focuses on helping adults to understand teenage boys. Through her research and interviews with hundreds of boys, Wiseman gives us (you should read this book) a portrait of boys and a glimpse into their psyche, motivation, and daily struggles. Although I’m only half way done with the book, I’m beginning to question how any of us guys have managed to reach adulthood.
I’ll give Wiseman credit; she wrote this book from a place of love for boys not because she wants to change or slam them. As a man, it is pretty tough reading the book and thinking about all the stupid and dangerous things that I did as a boy, and, from reading the anecdotes of boys growing up now, that most boys do today. Wiseman uncovers the reasons why boys sneak out at night, why they turn silent or lie when questioned, and why their anger can dominate them. However, she doesn’t stop there. She gives parenting advice on all these topics and more -- even the really tough ones involving social media, video games, sex, and porn.
Masterminds and Wingmen should really be used as a resource, not just for information. When you question what you are doing in reaction to something your son has done, it would be great to go back and read a specific chapter in the book to get some perspective. You may not follow Wiseman’s advice to the letter, but at least you will have considered an alternative, which is bound to help you make a better decision.
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