Reading the book What a Difference a Mom Makes gave me inspiration, instruction, and insight on raising the teenage son I have, as well as the baby boy on the way. Some of what was being said rang true as I looked at how my son interacts with me and others. I see a few ways I’ve erred, but the book doesn’t give me much guilt; it just gives me a new way to look at our mother-son relationship and shows me what I can do as his mother now.
For example, teaching my son about girls is something I definitely haven’t done, but will be doing. I also didn’t realize the importance and affect a mother’s compliment can have on his son. I will be on the lookout for more ways to compliment him.
I’d love to see a book like this about the mother-daughter relationship. I have one of those, too!
“Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.” Thanks to Revell for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
About the Book
Think Father-Son Bonding Is the Only Thing that Matters? Think Again.
Dr. Kevin Leman Tells Why A Mom’s Relationship with Her Son Matters Uniquely-
And How to Make It Stronger At Every Age
“You’ve always dreamed of having that precious little daughter – one who is a little replica of you. And then you show up at the doctor’s office for your sonogram. “What’s that?” you say pointing at a little something you can’t quite place on the blurry black-and-white image. And the doc says, “That’s a penis.” You frown, not understanding. “My daughter’s got a penis?” Then realization dawns. “A boy?” Inside you start to panic. What do I do with a boy? I don’t know a thing about boys! Ah, but you will.”
For some moms, sons are confusing right from that first diaper change on. But by the time a mom makes it through the treasures a boy brings home in his pockets during grade school, the extra dirt her boy seems to find every time he goes outside, and the changes that puberty and driving privileges bring, she’s sure of only one thing- she does not understand boys!
But if any of that tempts a mom to leave the big stuff to Dad, she’s missing out on an amazing opportunity, says Dr. Kevin Leman. “Of all the people in the world, you, Mom, make the biggest difference in your son’s world.” Leman says “He’ll never reveal it to you straight out, so I’ll say it plainly. Your boy wants to please you. And that driving need will stay with him for a lifetime.”
By recognizing the deepest desire of her son, a mom can speak into her son’s life in ways that help him develop good relationships with other women, understand his own sexuality, fight his own battles, and command respect.
And along the way, it is possible, Leman believes, to learn some key coping skills for parenting your son and keeping a sense of humor along the way. True, moms may never understand why some things are funny to your son that are just disgusting to you, but you can still embrace the chance to leave an indelible imprint on your son’s life with fun and grace.
About the Author
Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known psychologist, humorist, and New York Times bestselling author of Have a New Kid by Friday. He is the author of many books, including The Birth Order Book, Making Children Mind without Losing Yours, Have a New Husband by Friday, and Have a New Teenager by Friday. He is a radio and television personality, and speaker who has taught and entertained audiences worldwide with his wit and common-sense psychology. He has made house calls for hundreds of radio and television programs, including Fox & Friends, The View, Today, Oprah, The Early Show, CNN’s American Morning and Focus on the Family. He has also served as a contributing family psychologist to Good Morning America.
Dr. Leman and his wife, Sande, live in Tucson, Arizona. They have five children and two grandchildren.
