Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys dives deep into the complexities of boys' emotional development in a society that often silences their feelings. Authors Dan Kindlon and Michael Thompson reveal the stark reality of how traditional masculinity hinders boys from expressing vulnerability and forming meaningful connections. Through compelling research and poignant stories, they advocate for an emotional education tailored to boys' unique needs. The book invites readers to reconsider societal expectations, empowering parents and educators to nurture empathy and resilience in young boys. What if unlocking the emotional lives of boys could reshape their futures and challenge the status quo?
By Dan Kindlon, Ph.D., Michael Thompson, PhD
Published: 2009
"Boys may be more likely to suffer in silence, but they hurt just the same."
The stunning success of Reviving Ophelia, Mary Pipher’s landmark book, showed a true and pressing need to address the emotional lives of girls. Now, finally, here is the book that answers our equally timely and critical need to understand our boys. In Raising Cain, Dan Kindlon, Ph.D., and Michael Thompson, Ph.D., two of the country’s leading child psychologists, share what they have learned in more than thirty-five years of combined experience working with boys and their families. They reveal a nation of boys who are hurting—sad, afraid, angry, and silent. Statistics point to an alarming number of young boys at high risk for suicide, alcohol and drug abuse, violence and loneliness. Kindlon and Thompson set out to answer this basic, crucial question: What do boys need that they’re not getting? They illuminate the forces that threaten our boys, teaching them to believe that “cool” equals macho strength and stoicism. Cutting through outdated theories of “mother blame,” “boy biology,” and "testosterone,” Kindlon and Thompson shed light on the destructive emotional training our boys receive—the emotional miseducation of boys. Through moving case studies and cutting-edge research, Raising Cain paints a portrait of boys systematically steered away from their emotional lives by adults and the peer “culture of cruelty”—boys who receive little encouragement to develop qualities such as compassion, sensitivity, and warmth. The good news is that this doesn't have to happen. There is much we can do to prevent it. Kindlon and Thompson make a compelling case that emotional literacy is the most valuable gift we can offer our sons, urging parents to recognize the price boys pay when we hold them to an impossible standard of manhood. They identify the social and emotional challenges that boys encounter in school and show how parents can help boys cultivate emotional awareness and empathy—giving them the vital connections and support they need to navigate the social pressures of youth. Powerfully written and deeply felt, Raising Cain will forever change the way we see our sons and will transform the way we help them to become happy and fulfilled young men.
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“Boys may be more likely to suffer in silence, but they hurt just the same.”
Raising Cain
By Dan Kindlon, Ph.D., Michael Thompson, PhD
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Dan Kindlon, Ph.D., is a renowned psychologist and author acclaimed for his insightful exploration of child development and adolescent psychology. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Kindlon has dedicated himself to understanding the emotional and psychological dynamics that shape young people's lives. He is best known for his notable works, including "Raising Boys by Design," co-authored with Michael Gurian, and "The Art of Raising a Boy," which offer practical guidance for parents and educators navigating the complexities of male development.
Dr. Kindlon's writing is characterized by a blend of rigorous research, personal anecdotes, and accessible language, making his ideas resonate with both professionals and general readers alike. His work emphasizes the importance of nurturing emotional intelligence and resilience in children, advocating for a balanced approach to masculinity in modern society. In addition to his books, Dr. Kindlon frequently speaks at conferences and workshops, sharing his expertise with audiences interested in fostering healthy, supportive environments for boys and young men. Dedicated to bridging the gap between scientific understanding and everyday parenting, Dr. Kindlon remains a leading voice in the field of developmental psychology.
Michael Thompson, PhD, is a distinguished author and scholar renowned for his contributions to the fields of psychology and education. With a deep commitment to exploring the complexities of human behavior and learning, Dr. Thompson has written extensively on topics such as child development, resilience, and the implications of social dynamics in educational settings.
His notable works include "RaisingCain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys," co-authored with Dan Kindlon, which garnered significant acclaim for its insightful examination of masculinity and emotional expression. Additionally, Dr. Thompson's "The Pressured Student" addresses the challenges faced by youth in today's high-stakes education system, emphasizing the importance of balance and emotional well-being.
Dr. Thompson's writing style is characterized by its engaging narrative, accessibility to a broad audience, and a blend of scholarly rigor with practical insights. He is a sought-after speaker and consultant, frequently invited to share his expertise on child development and educational reform. Currently, he continues to advance the conversation on improving educational practices and fostering emotional intelligence in young learners.
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