A book review of Boys Adrift: The Five Factors Driving the Growing Epidemic of Unmotivated Boys and Underachieving Young Men by Dr. Leonard Sax, MD, PhD.
Stars: *****
Basic Books (2016)
Parenting
352 pages
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Summary: Something is happening to boys today. From kindergarten to college, American boys are, on average, less resilient and less ambitious than they were a mere twenty years ago. The gender gap in college attendance and graduation rates has widened dramatically. While Emily is working hard at school and getting A’s, her brother Justin is goofing off. He’s more concerned about getting to the next level in his videogame than about finishing his homework.
In Boys Adrift, Dr. Leonard Sax delves into the scientific literature and draws on more than twenty years of clinical experience to explain why boys and young men are failing in school and disengaged at home. He shows how social, cultural, and biological factors have created an environment that is literally toxic to boys. He also presents practical solutions, sharing strategies which educators have found effective in re-engaging these boys at school, as well as handy tips for parents about everything from homework, to videogames, to medication.
Boys Adrift
In this wonderful book, the author Dr. Sax teaches us about the five factors that are contributing to the epidemic of boys and young men not being motivated. He shows us that it’s a fact that they are boys and young men are starting to lose interest in getting a good paying job or doing well in school. As a mother of two boys I find that sad.
As I said there are five factor which are stated on the cover so I’ll share them here. They are video games, teaching methods, prescription drugs, environmental toxins and devaluation of masculinity. The book goes very in depth into these factors though so you really have to read the book.
I thought the book would be good but it was even better than I expected. While you can’t fix all the problems you can do a lot to help. My son is very unmotivated and while it’s not like reading the book has fixed all that, it gave me ideas I can put into practice.
The book talks a lot about ADHD and medications for ADHD. It really made me think. If your son has ADHD or you suspect ADHD you should read this book.
I highly recommend this book for ANYONE with a son of any age who isn’t motivated to learn, grow, work or move out and get on with their life.
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