As a mother of three real boys for over 12 years now who has read her share of books on rearing the male species, I did not expect to be surprised by the 
Young’s take on child rearing. But I was. From the moment my husband began reading aloud the introduction to me on the sofa, we knew this book was unique. Every night we didn’t fall into bed exhausted from the challenges of constructively corralling our boys’ energy for good use, we reached for this book to read and discuss yet another important point in raising them to be “real men.” Raising Real Men: Surviving, Teaching, and Appreciating Boys has challenged us to change some of our daily practices and encouraged us to instill new traditions.
This book is Real. Hal and Melanie understand the chaos, turmoil, and destruction that is boyhood, and they explain what makes these qualities essential to becoming masculine. In Raising Real Men, they give Real principles regarding the importance of Real work in the shaping of these young men, including why they need chores and how to train boys to contribute to their family and society; the importance of responsibility and how consequences are a natural part of the learning process for boys; and why earning a living should be a natural goal from a young age.
The Youngs put great emphasis on allowing young men to learn from Real life. They encourage parents to gradually permit increasing risk, pr
eparing the Real boy to deal with the Real situations of life when he leaves home. Such risk is coupled with stewardship principles, both financial and material. Real education includes shadowing the parent, at times, or learning to stand alone when appropriate. The goal is to produce men who are capable of leading their own homes when God calls them to do so, by giving them both the training and the experience they need during these formative years.
The strength of this book is its emphasis on the Reality of God. Hal and Melanie emphasize sound leadership principles from the Bible. Scripture reading and meditation is always foremost in their home study, and it permeates their teaching in Raising Real Men. That makes it Real discipleship.
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You can order your own copy of Raising Real Men on the Young’s website for only $15 , with bonus material! Be sure to see their listing of other affordable and convenient ways to obtain your own copy of Raising Real Men.
Enter to win a Real copy of Raising Real Men this week! Hal and Melanie Young will giveaway one copy of their book to a random reader of Whatever State, to be announced this Saturday. Be sure to enter each possible publicity each day until then to increase your chances!
- Leave a comment below of why you love raising your own Real men.
- tweet about this event
- leave a post on your facebook wall (be sure to leave a comment below each time you facebook post)
Let’s all heroically Raise Real Men for God!
Oh, this book sounds so fantastic! I have four Real Boys, ages 13, 11, 9 and 6. I love them dearly, love watching them grow… but sometimes need the encouragement of people who are willing to be realistic about some of the struggles. This book sounds like it might just be that.
I’m looking forward to reading this book at some point. Having only one son and four daughters, I think I have to be a bit more intentional about raising him differently. I love watching his mind work. He is very gifted at figuring things out. Thanks for the opportunity to get a copy! 😉
I have also posted this on my Facebook wall.
Thanks again!
I love the fact that I have 3 boys and would love to learn more about raising them to be the kind of men that God wants them to be in a world where real manhood seems to be a thing of the past. Please enter me.
I also posted on fb!
This sounds like a very helpful book–I have one son and two daughters, and I love books that help me see where my son is coming from more clearly. “Bringing up Boys” was an eye-opener for me, and it sounds like this book is, too.
I’m also posting this to facebook for my friends to see! Thanks.
I have two REAL boys (although only one is old enough yet to do any damage!:)). I love how BOY he is and seeing the differences between him and his sisters. He’s super-sweet and tenderhearted but also likes guns, swords and knights!:) I would love to read some ideas on how to handle the destructive tendencies and turn them to profitable tendencies!
I also posted on FB!:)
Here I am again, seeking to increase my odds. Another thing that I love about raising my little guy is how God uses him to help me grow in Christ-likeness. Parenting requires much patience, gentleness, and self-sacrifice, and I need to grow in them all!
I’ve also posted this again on my Facebook page and done a post for my blog.
http://blog.hankinsfamily.com/2010/09/raising-real-men.html
Thanks again!
I would love to win a copy! It’s an excellent book.
I have two boys and am honored to be their Mother!
Blessings
Mrs. White
Well, I have two little men, 2 and 4. I am quite happy with my boys. I can’t say exactly why, but I honestly don’t need a little girl. They’re just a lot of fun (most times, ha ha).
SHared on FB.
Love my firstborn son so much. His most favorite weekend “activity” is soul-winning. 🙂
I grew up with two younger brothers, but still need a lot of encouragement on raising a boy (man) to God’s glory.
I have a sister who has 3 boys ( 4, 2, and 2 months). I know she would love this book. I would love to win this book so I can give it to her (maybe even read it first).
I am posting a note of facebook too.
I would love to read this! I listened to a homeschooling seminar by Hal and Melanie about homeschooling your sons and it was great. I’m sure I could use their tips in this book as well. Thanks for the giveaway.
Congratulations! You are the winner! Enjoy your copy of Raising Real Men from Hal and Melanie Young!
Oh, Alyssa, please contact me through the contact form with your shipping address. I will forward the info the the Youngs so you can receive your book!
Another thing that I love about raising my little guy is the way that he helps me stop and appreciate God’s magnificent Creation. My son stands in awe of everything and EVERYTHING is collectible. 🙂 When I choose to be patient, by God’s grace, I get to see the world with childish wonder and turn it into praise for our awesome God.
Posted this on Facebook again.
Looking forward to the drawing tomorrow!
this book sounds great!! I love raising my own little men, challenging as it is, because it is exciting to watch them change and grow! I can’t wait to see how God will work in their lives as they get older.
just posted on facebook.
My husband and I are expecting our first child- a son- in just over a month! I definitely will be looking into resources like this to help me learn how to raise my husband’s namesake to be as fine a man as his father is.
and I, too, posted it on Facebook.
I love raising a son for so many reasons. I never had brothers so this whole “boy thing” has opened up so many areas that would be lacking otherwise. I can now appreciate things from a whole new perspective and enjoy seeing his important role in our family.
I posted this on Facebook just now as well.