Book Review: Secure Daughters Confident Sons

I recently read a book called Secure Daughters Confident Sons by Glenn T. Stanton.   I was very impressed.   This is a book I will go back and reread.   It gave practical advice, backed up by psychological studies.   The studies are secular studies from researchers at leading Universities.  The author is the director for family formation studies at Focus on the Family.   The book is interspersed with scripture that backs up his assertions;  it is not preachy or over the top.  If you do not hold a Christian world view you can still apply the advice in this book to any two parent family.   Single moms and dads can also benefit from this book by understanding what their unique gender brings to the family.

The book is divided into two parts: "Clear Vision for Authentic Manhood and Womanhood--and How to Help Your Kids Get There" and "Why Boys and Girls Need Mothers and Fathers."  At the end of each chapter, the author includes 2-3 questions posed by everyday moms and dads.  Those questions are then answered by the author.  Part one was very informational, but also applicable.  In the first two chapters, the author sets up the thesis of the book and gives information about the uniqueness of the genders .  In the next four chapters, he talks about what boys and girls need from their parents.  He also discusses how to walk with them on the journey to authentic manhood and womanhood.  I found this very interesting for boys in particular because in our society we devalue the unique qualities of a man.

The second part of the book discusses how men and women approach raising children differently.   The author asserts that men and women bring unique ideas to the table.  These ideas should each be given play and allowed to balance one another.  I found a lot of practical application in this section.   I also recognized qualities in my husband and myself that we employ in raising our children.  This section gave me an appreciation for what my husband does and teaches our children.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this book, give it to a friend, and reread it.   I found it informational and encouraging.

I received this book for free from WaterBrooke Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  The opinions expressed are completely my own.