Wild Things by James/Thomas

Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys by Stephen James and David Thomas (Tyndale House Publishers, February 2009)

Playing off the themes in the Caldecott Medal-winning children's book Where the Wild Things Are, this informative, practical, and encouraging guide will help parents guide boys down the path to healthy and authentic manhood. Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual parts of a boy, written by two therapists who are currently engaged in clinical work with boys and their parents and who are also fathers raising five sons. Contains chapters such as “Sit Still! Pay Attention!” “Deficits and Disappointments,” and “Rituals, Ceremonies, and Rites of Passage.”

From the Back Cover

Born to be . . . wild!

A boy’s endless imagination, hunger for adventure, and passionate spirit are matched only by his deep desire to be affirmed, esteemed, and loved.

Yet over the past few decades, our culture has adopted a model of parenting and educating boys that doesn’t affirm, celebrate, or embrace a boy’s hunger, passion, or wildness but rather seeks to tame it. As a result, many parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors find themselves frustrated, confused, and wearied by boys’ behavior.

The truth is, boys don’t need to be tamed—they need to be understood, loved, challenged, and encouraged.

Wild Things helps parents, teachers, mentors, and others understand and explore the hearts, minds, and ways of boys—and the vital role that parents and caregivers play on the journey to manhood.

Based on clinical research and filled with practical tips and suggestions, Wild Things gives fresh insight and much-needed encouragement on the road to raising boys.


Author Bios:
STEPHEN JAMES, M.A. is a private-practice therapist in Nashville, TN. He is husband to Heather and father to Emma Claire, Elijah, and twins Henry and Teddy.

DAVID THOMAS, M.S.S.W. is a therapist and director of counseling for men and boys at Daystar Counseling in Nashville, TN. he lives in Nashville with his wife, Connie, daughter, Lily, and twins Baker and Witt.

Now you have a chance to ask Stephen and David YOUR boy parenting questions during their Virtual Book Tour on the evening of Tuesday, February 3rd. Register now for this live event. You can hear Stephen and David answer your questions online or via your phone. You’ll get all the details when you sign up—along with two free chapters from their book!

A Virtual Book Tour lets you listen live while relaxing in your home. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
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www.StephenandDavid.com


Angie's Take:
I've raised 3 sons and several other boys have been through my home, some staying for several months or longer. I think one of the most important things we can do is understand the nature of a young man and raise him with an understanding that being a boy is normal. I love that these authors are bringing out a book on raising boys! So needed in theses days and times. Please don't miss the pages at the back. There are several really quick articles that answer questions we all wonder about. Really, DON'T MISS THOSE!

I also loved the chapter on how to mother my son at different stages. It's very helpful even though my last and youngest son is nearly out of the nest. I still have grandsons that will need parenting (and hopefully, their mommies will keep them close
by :-)