Raising Feminist Boys
A parent’s guide to raising kind & conscientious boys
As parents, we all want to raise kind and loving kids who will grow up to be conscientious adults. But in a world still steeped in gender inequality and sexual violence, it’s become more and more clear that we can’t just teach girls to protect themselves. We must also teach our sons compassion and empathy. We must teach them to respect girls—and not just the ones they think are pretty. We must teach them that it is okay to feel emotions. And we must teach them to embrace and celebrate diversity. But where do we begin?
Written by a clinical psychologist, Raising Feminist Boys is a parent’s guide to having age-appropriate conversations with boys about sexual responsibility, consent, gender, empathy, and identity. You'll find practical tips and tools for talking with your son about feminism without shame, fear, or judgment; and strategies to help them recognize and question gender norms and biases in culture and themselves. It’s never too early to start talking to boys about equality. This book will help you get the conversation started.
And, if you want talk about this with other parents trying to figure it out too, read the book and join a parenting Groop at www.joingroops.com .
Endorsements
“Grounded in scientific research while simultaneously a deeply personal reflection, Raising Feminist Boys offers the perfect road map for how we shift the culture of toxic masculinity in the wake of the #metoo movement—beginning with concrete steps we can take in our own homes. As both a clinical psychologist and mother of two young sons, I couldn’t be more grateful for this invaluable resource, and for Wegner’s insightful (and engaging!) guidance throughout.”
—Rebecca Schrag Hershberg, PhD, clinical psychologist, parenting coach, and author of the Tantrum Survival Guide
“Wegner 's book is essential for our modern times. Her straightforward approach engages the reader while providing useful strategies, which allow boys and their role models, to become advocates of equality for all genders. Wegner's authenticity is strengthened by her ability to share her personal challenges with raising her own feminist children. Wegner's sincerity, warmth, and humor give credence to an imperative call to action for change.”
—Katharine "Kim" Larsson, PhD CNS-BC, cofounder of Boston Behavioral Medicine, Brookline, MA, has over 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist, psycho-pharmacologist, consultant, educator
"If you are a feminist, but struggle with talking to the young people in your life about sex, consent and misogyny (join the club!), this book is for you. If you believe parenting can be a powerful form of social action, then this book is for you. If you are looking for specific, accessible and age-appropriate strategies to create a gender-equitable family, then yes, this book is for you. Leaving judgment and perfectionism aside, Raising Feminist Boys equips parents and educators with the capacity and confidence to raise champions of equality."
—Justine Finn, Ed.M, founder and director of Relation-Shift, consultant to K-12 schools and parents on gender, and mom grappling with how to raise her own children as feminists
“A worthy and comprehensive primer for anyone interested in—but unsure how to pull off—raising sons to become fully-human and actively upstanding citizens.”
—Darcy Lockman, author of All the Rage
“Once in a while a parenting book comes along that is rooted in a strong understanding of the best research and thinking about parenting and child development, wise about the nuances of parenting and stocked with concrete, accessible advice and highly practical tips. This is one of those times. I strongly encourage you to read this terrific roadmap to raising boys who will do the vital work of challenging damaging gender stereotypes in themselves and others and who will engage in relationships with deep respect and care.”
—Richard Weissbourd, senior lecturer and faculty director of the Making Caring Common project, Harvard Graduate School of Education
“Wegner’s practical advice guides parents through one of the most important conversations to have during childhood. Having ‘the talk’ isn’t enough if we are to change the toxic culture that persists in society today. The road map provided here starts when our children are young and these powerful conversations continue throughout their development. This book pushes us to examine our own biases and provides clear and age-appropriate language to create strong and caring ‘feminist boys’.”
—Elihu Selter, PsyD, clinical psychologist; faculty, Milton Academy; private practice; Father of 2 sons
“Raising Feminist Boys is the guide every parent of boys needs to raise healthy, empathetic boys who contribute in positive ways to society. With the perfect combination of personal stories, practical tips, guided reflection, and evidence, Dr. Wegner takes parents by the hand and shows them exactly how to raise feminist boys. Prepare to be comforted by her honesty and inspired by her thoughtful guidance.”
—Erin Erickson, DNP, MPH, MA, family nurse practitioner, maternal child health specialist, and cofounder and cohost of Mom Enough®, an evidence-based parenting podcast