Between Mothers and Sons: The Making of Vital and Loving Men Book

A son's physical, emotional and psychological development differs vastly from that of a daughter's---and raising a son can pose unique challenges for a mother. With great clarity and sensitivity, this groundbreaking book from Dr. Evelyn Bassoff, acclaimed psychologist and author of Mothers and Daughters, explains how mothers can remain nurturing presences in their son's lives throughout their many transitions. She details the important role a father plays in a sons' growth, and how mothers can support and celebrate their sons' masculine energy - whether it manifests itself in a love of playing football or playing piano. Dr. Bassoff also illuminates the varied demands of raising sons for married and single mothers, stepmothers, and mothers of gay sons.

Drawing upon the best available research, as well as myths, legends, her experience raising her own son, and the personal stories of clients and friends, Dr. Bassoff offers an invaluable perspective on what mothers can do to insure that their sons become vital, loving men.

Publishers Weekly

Despite the current fashion for raising boys and girls as free as possible from sexual stereotypes, recent research, argues this book, shows that boys and girls are just not the same. In her pioneering new work, Bassoff ( Mothers and Daughters ) uses a combination of psychological studies, myths and legends, personal ancecdotes, popular culture and common sense to examine the profound influence of mothers in shaping their sons' identities. It is important, she urges, that a mother aid in her son's inevitable separation from her. She discusses the differences between the sexes, the importance of a positive male role model in a boy's life and how a mother's response to her son's sexuality influences his ability to relate to the opposite sex in adulthood. Also included is advice for single mothers, as well as for mothers of stepsons and gay sons. This book is an important addition to the fields of parenting and psychology. (Sept.)