"Boys Adrift" -Leonard Sax

You might be hearing:

• "Boys are lazy these days."
• "I can't get him to focus on anything!"
• "All he wants to do it play video games."
• "He has no motivation whatsoever and I've tried everything."

Boys Adrift

There is a link to the website if you have further questions about this topic or research. I saw this book on Dr. Laura's Facebook page and I wanted to take a closer look at it. 

Summary

There are so many factors into the type of boys and men we have today. He also lightly touches on girls and women but not as much since he focused on males and he has no daughters so that was why boys were his foremost interest. 

The factors that can play a heavy influence: Video Games (duh because they are way more awesome today than before.), Teaching Methods (What?), Prescription Drugs (Saw that one coming.), Endocrine Disruptors (Say what?), Devaluation of Masculinity (Good point). 

I totally expected the video games and drugs but I have not previously considered the devaluation of masculinity or knew what endocrine disruptors. I was always viewed as somewhat radical during my education studies with my peers because I always stuck up for separate education.

Dr. Sax tackles these topics with a chapter for each one and goes in detail about the aspects, variables, and background for each. 

Review

I really enjoyed this read though at times I was stressed out because I realized how toxic our culture is right now for our sons and daughters. I have no children otherwise I would have been tossing plastic water bottles, crunching their times on video games, checking they had good role models, and interrogating their teachers. 

Luckily I was spared the impulsive rampage because we only have a cat. Fwef! But I am still concerned and I feel like my opinions haven't changed drastically but I have more knowledge about the topics and can better explain why I feel the way I do about each topic. 

This book does not contain the one answer as to what is going on. Because each child is so original we can't plug in a formula and get the solution. Kids are not math problems. Thank goodness because I am dreadful at those too. Anyways, if you want to open your mind a bit about our culture and why so many kids are different than before. 

Please read this even if you have a daughter I believe it is not the exact same problems but that way she can help and support those around her who suffer from the negative influences we are passing today. It is explained simply and he clarifies some confusing parts of the research that is presented in the book. He is also funny and cracks a few jokes along the way. 

This is great for those who prefer a more educational read. Or if you want a break from fantasy like I did. But don't worry I've got some books in the works still. 

                                 J Feistner