Real Boys Workbook: The Definitive Guide to Understanding and Interacting with Boys of All Ages

by Kathleen Cushman

The Real Boys' Workbook is a unique, instructive workbook, full of advice, exercises, and stories to help parents, professionals, and boys themselves understand boys--and how to make life with them... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375755268
• ISBN13: 9780375755262
• Release Date: May 2001
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 7.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Great practical and necessary accompaniment to main book

I didn't really see a lot of reviews for this workbook and that's really a shame because it a perfect compliment to REAL BOYS. Usually, in order for something to become a habit, one needs to have a felt shift and alternate deep learning with taking action. The main book, which I also interviewed gives you the deep learning, this book is roadmap on how to put what you have learned into practice. One without the other is like trying to walk on one leg in my opinion. This workbook is loaded with useful inquiries, exercises and supporting text. Specifically, it covers such areas as some basic does and don'ts with boys, how to be a good listener and avoid shaming boys. It also covers boys relationships to their father and mother and the nature of the natural separation that occurs as a boy starts becoming autonomous vs. the kick out of the next that is so common in our culture. This book is quite comprehensive and it also goes on to explain boy's emotions, anger and aggression, bullies and troublemakers, facing grieving in death of loved ones and divorce, recognizing depression, etc. It also covers the very difficult adolescent years and how to handle emerging sexuality. William Pollack really cares about boys and their well-being. He has impeccable credentials and he writes his books from a sensitive and caring place. One of his fundamental assumptions is that there is an unspoken "boy code" in our culture that discourages and shames boys for certain feelings and behaviors that lead to problems later in life. Mainly, he talks about how the "macho" persona and sweeping softer emotions under the rug lead to depression and other problems later in life including with intimacy. I think every parent of boys should own at least three books, REAL BOYS, THE REAL BOYS WORKBOOK and PARENTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT.

Very useful to this parent!

As the mother of two "real boys" (by which I mean they've been very into their macho "boyness" but they're also very real, caring people under the pose) I found this a really helpful guide for understanding and communcating with them in a way that doesn't threaten the "masculinity" that matters so much to them at certain ages but helps them not get too caught in the negative sides of it as well. I think it's best to read his "Real Boys" book first to understand where he's coming from, but this is a very helpful companion!

Easy to use. Simple for parents, teachers, mentors.

This workbook is a fine follow up to the original book. The exercises are easy to do and challenge the reader to not only reflect on their boys' lives but to look at their own upbringing and attitudes. The workbook is filled with easy to understand problem-solving checklists. Although helping a child or teen modify his behavior can not be reduced to a simple "to do" list, the book provides good fodder for thought, reflection and action. Great starting point for anyone involved in a young man's life.