Real Boys
by William Pollack
A Harvard psychologist on the 'boy code' that teaches boys to hide feeling, and the loneliness, anger and underachievement that result. It argues for connection over toughness and is the foundational text of the boys' emotional-health conversation.
Read it if…
you are raising a son and worry he is shutting down.
Skip it if…
you want a quick guide; it is thorough.
Three things you will actually use
- Boys feel as much; they are taught to show less.
- Shame is the enforcer of the boy code.
- Connection, not toughness, builds strong men.
Do this first
Read the chapter on the boy code and listen for it at home.
Our verdict
The boy code, named.
Compare with other Parenting books
Browse all Parenting book reviews or get the free Reality Code Cheat Sheet.
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