What's Happening to Our Boys?, by Maggie Hamilton
Sub-Title: AT RISK - How the new technologies, drugs and alcohol, peer pressure and porn affect our boys
Paperback
ISBN-13: 9780670073931
Publisher: Penguin
Published: 2010
Size: approximately 15 x 23 cm
Pages: 310
Book Description:
"Some of the material covered in this book is shocking, but it's important to realise this is the toxic atmosphere many of our children encounter daily," Maggie Hamilton writes. "It's vital we don't shrink from what lies before us, but take note, then act. ... When we understand what they're up against, we can help bring about much-needed change and support our boys in appealing, meaningful and relevant ways."
What kind of world are our boys to growing up in? Why are growing numbers of boys suffering body image and self-esteem problems? Why do they feel worthless without the latest branded toy, game or item of clothing? What makes soft drinks, snacks and fast foods so attractive? Why are they drawn to countless acts of violence on TV, in movies and in computer games? What impact does our highly sexualised climate, our emphasis on success and money, have on them as they grow? And why are so many boys vulnerable to cyber bullying and to porn?
Childhood and teenage life is changing rapidly, leaving parents exhausted and confused as to how best to tackle the many issues they face. How does this high pressure environment affect a boy's confidence, his values and aspirations, his wellbeing, his sense of community, his attitudes to girls and women?
In her follow-up book to
What's Happening to Our Girls? Maggie Hamilton asks these and many other vital questions, as well as providing numerous tips for parents and educators on how to create a more promising future for our children.
(Please see the Table of Contents, Reviews, and Video below.)
Links to podcasts/video on What's Happening to Our Boys?
About the Author:
Writer, teacher and publisher Maggie Hamilton gives regular talks, lectures and workshops throughout Australia and New Zealand; writes for magazines; and is a keen observer of social trends. She has a Masters in English Literature, a passion for the art of living meaningfully, and is a regular media commentator.
Maggie Hamilton's working life has encompassed the public and private sectors, and includes senior roles in book publishing and with the ABC. Her professional commitments have included serving on the executive committee of the Sydney Peace Foundation and as member of the organising committee for the Federation Australian Women's History Project, the Office for the Status of Women, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Reviews:
'In her new book, Maggie Hamilton has provided illuminating insights into the techniques used to undermine developing self-esteem and to sell products. In an immensely readable way, she provides practical tips for parents on many of the big issues facing adolescent boys - drugs, drinking, sexualisation, bullying and more.' - Barbara Biggins OAM, Australian Council on Children and the Media
'As the father of two young adult sons, I didn't realise how much the world had changed and the challenges that today's boys and teenagers have to face. This book will open the eyes of parents and other adults. In addition to the bad and the ugly, it provides a lot of very good ideas on how to raise well-adjusted and resilient boys and young men.' - Gary Bryant, Executive Officer, Men's Advisory Network
'Maggie Hamilton's insightful analysis points out that although boys are the stronger sex in a physical sense later on, many boys are more vulnerable as newborns and struggle in early society that is playing havoc with not only our children's wellbeing but also our own. Her new book provides a formula for parents to get back to basics with boys, doing the things with them that build strong emotional bonds.' - Anne Crabb, Executive Officer, NSW Parents Council
'Maggie Hamilton's new book, What's Happening to our Boys? is informative and readable. Perhaps most importantly, this book takes a positive view of boys: it sets out to build on what is good about being a boy and to strengthen that side. It also looks at the pitfalls facing boys in today's world. It gives insights to parents and concerned adults about how they can walk alongside boys on their journeys.' - Professor John J Macdonald, Foundation Chair in Primary Health Care, Co-Director Men's Health Information and Resource Centre
'What's Happening to our Boys? is a must-read book for all parents with boys. Full of great ideas and practical solutions.' - Warwick Marsh, Dads4Kids Fatherhood Foundation
