The Good Son: A Complete Parenting Plan

by Michael Gurian

Book Overview

Selected by Publishers Weekly as one of the Best Books of 1999, The Good Son is the definitive guide to the moral and emotional development of our boys and young men. Within its pages, Michael Gurian... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0874779855
• Release Date: September 1999
• Publisher: Tarcher
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.3" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Long Overdue Focus on Raising Young Men

"The Good Son" by Michael Gurian (a therapist and educator) is a book for parents designed with the intention of helping them raise a morally grounded son. Subtitled "Shaping the Moral Development of Our Boys and Young Men", I felt Mr. Gurian did a great job by dividing up the chapters into specific age groups (infant, toddler, teen, etc.). I am not inclined to read these types of books (self-help, how-to), but with heavy pressure from my fellow parents and their strong recommendations I'm sure glad I did. We are presented with the physical, emotional, and psychological growth that we can expect and how this will effect the behavior of our boy(s). The book is crammed with excellent examples - some quite inspiring - from Mr. Wolfe's practice as well as practical guides to discipline, "rules to live by", and the "range of normal". Despite the subtitle the book is not moralistic or preachy, but rather focuses on helping parents instill their own belief system into their child. In our politically correct world, I particularly enjoyed the explanations of the differences between boys and girls and how they interpret the world around them (they're different! Who knew?) Throughout the book, medical research is presented (some well known and some fairly recent) to back up his ideas. In our politically correct and gender neutral idealized society it is refreshing to hear someone unafraid to speak the obvious. Ultimately, the information is neither bound to dry medical text nor religious ideology, but rather, a very readable and fun resource for parents.

Easy reading

This book is suggested to anyone who has to raise a son in todays world. I have bought this book for 2 women raising boys. It has open a new world for me-the understanding of why my boy is the way he is. The author suggest structure and rules will help your young boy blossom into a confident young man. Ever chapter he touches on "the Range of Normal" which you can apply to your child at his age level.

Parents, Please Read!

I can't say enough about Michael's work. All parents with boys need this information. All institutions need to to consider the model he offers. Mr. Gurian is a fabulous author as well as researcher. I worked in juvenile probation for 12 years and have been in private practice for 18 years. I now run four men's groups a week. Mr. Gurian certainly affirms all I have experienced and believe.

Raising your son to excellence

A refreshing concept in today's wasteland of corruption. Gurian tells how to raise boys with character, morals and old-fashioned values. Values much forgotten in the current quest for achievement and financial success. I like Gurian's book because it guides parents through trouble spots of child-rearing: early toddler years and on through young adulthood. A book one will refer to many times as the child develops. Another helpful approach to positive parenting is found in Father, Son, Three-Mile Run. Check it out. A great inspirational guide for parents. Both books recommended.

An outstanding eye opener to raising boys in todays society

This book needs to be given to all new parents with boys as they leave the hospital along with "What To Expect The First Year". Well written and not just facts about boys, but examples and roadmaps for each stage of their life. With two sons, I am sure that I will continue to use this book over and over.