Teen boys!

Raising Real Men by Haland Melanie Young is a great book to read concerning boys. They have 6 boys themselves so come from a place of experience and wisdom. They also have a private FB group where they share wisdom and thoughts.

13 is a hard age. Hormones are going crazy along side peer pressure and expectations (real or “imagined”) Raising Real Men book gave me great insight into the workings of the puberty hormone flooded brain as well as thoughts as to how to keep them busy and on track.

The hard part is that a lot of it is “normal” but that does not mean it is acceptable. It can be hard not to get pulled into their roller coaster of emotions and keep a level head. Last year a mom of twin boys who are now adults said she would make her boys run laps around the neighborhood in early teen years when they were getting difficult. It was not punishment, she would just tell them “go run a lap” and when they would get back she and her son could much more easily talk. I have a friend who has her son run the stairs. The sound makes her batty, but it burns off her son’s frustration hormones so he is easier to talk to. I know for my 13 year old son when he gets in that pent up festering mood he needs to move his body and not just ride his bike, but physically work hard such as chopping wood. It has been hard with shut downs, and we have had to get creative too.

Sorry not a lot of practical advice, it is challenging as every family is different, but the book has been a great help to me, I suggest to all my friends with boys 🙂

I love the book “Wild Things” by David Thomas.  A great look and the stages of boyhood with practical advice for every area.  Be warned, the author is not shy!  Also available on Audible. -Nathan