Recently, I read the most wonderful parenting book called Strong Mothers, Strong Sons by Dr. Meg Meeker. Dr. Meeker is someone I've heard interviewed several times and have come to really trust for parenting insights. She has been a pediatrician for more than thirty years and is the mother of four children. She has also written other books that I highly recommend:
The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers
Boys Should be Boys
Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters
Strong Mothers, Strong Sons is a lengthy read, but it is so worth it. I'll admit that when I first got it, I was a bit overwhelmed, but I just read a little bit each night and plowed right through it. Truthfully, most nights I didn't want to put it down. Her writing style keeps it moving with lots of headings and sub-headings. She also intersperses real-life stories from mothers and sons who were her patients or whom she interviewed for this book.
In one of my favorite chapters in this book, Dr. Meeker talks about the importance of following our mother's intuition and acting on what we believe. She gives an example of a community where underage drinking was encouraged and fostered by the parents, even those who really didn't think it was right. They had become confused about what was right and wrong and were acting contrary to their intuition. She says, "The fact that you are your son's mother is no accident. He didn't get your best friend as his mother; he got you." I agree with Dr. Meeker. As mothers, we need to believe in ourselves and stand up for what we believe in, even if it goes against what society is telling us to do.
Dr. Meeker, in Strong Mothers, Strong Sons, provides wonderful inspiration for mothers of boys of all ages, right through the teen years. This is not a discipline book, but rather a thoughtful look at how mothers can be good mothers to their sons. She writes, "This is a survival manual for mothers who adore their sons." It is such a special relationship. She writes about how to talk to your son, what to do when he targets you and wages war against you, and how you can help him find meaning in his life, teach him about God, and teach him about wisdom and responsibility.
It is an empowering book that challenges mothers to love their sons, teach them to become good men, and then let them go when the time comes. This book has really made me take a step back and think about my relationship with my son, who is only 6 and still likes to cuddle, but who is growing up fast and will need my support and encouragement to grow up right.
No comments:
Post a Comment