Raising Feminist Boys

“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

~Darcy Lockman

“Raising Feminist Boys is an incredibly insightful mélange of history, essential literacy about psychology, parenting realities, and what our society truly needs. It is composed in a genuine voice of a mother, concerned citizen, and a true scholar which speaks to your heart as much as it stimulates your mind. It offers critical questions while offering practical solutions. Our world will be a better place if parents become fluent in the teachings of this book.”
—Sara Nasserzadeh, PhD, social psychologist; senior cultural advisor to the United Nations; cofounder of Relationship Panoramic, Inc.; and coauthor of Sexuality Education Wheel of Context

~Sara Nasserzadeh, PhD

“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

~Rebecca Schrag Hershberg, PhD

“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 in Brookline, MA; with over thirty years of experience as a psychotherapist, psychopharmacologist, consultant, and educator

~Katharine “Kim” Larsson, PhD, CNS-BC

“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 in private practice, faculty at the Milton Academy, and father of two sons

~Elihu Selter, PsyD

“Even the most confident, educated, and well-intentioned parents are struggling to raise their sons—many find ways to talk with their daughters about consent, sex, and equality, but miss out on opportunities to have these critical conversations with their boys. Now there’s a remedy: we finally have a book that equips parents and educators with the capacity and confidence to raise a generation of boys as champions of equality. Leaving judgment aside, Raising Feminist Boys delivers specific, accessible, and age-appropriate strategies parents can put to use tonight—right at the dinner table.”
—Justine Finn, EdM, 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

~Justine Finn, EdM

“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 road map 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 at Harvard Graduate School of Education

~Richard Weissbourd

“Raising Feminist Boys is the guide every parent of boys needs to raise healthy, empathetic sons who contribute in positive ways to society. With the perfect combination of personal stories, practical tips, guided reflection, and evidence, 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

~Erin Erickson, DNP, MPH, MA

“This straight-talking book about bringing up boys to be responsible and respectful comes from Harvard child psychologist Wegner, who fills pages with accessible explanations about developmental stages, emotional intelligence, gender, identity, and other factors that shape developing minds. But the best parts of the book are when Wegner shares stories about her own kids. Whether being called out for sex discrimination by one son for not allowing him to get his ear pierced (after she'd encouraged his little sister to do so), or having her other son happily show her a Minecraft village made completely out of penises, Wegner comes across as resourceful and practical, making her advice all the more palatable as she discusses topics like toxic masculinity and media messaging. She addresses readers directly, referring to you and your son. She sorts her counsel according to boys' age, and includes steps, scenarios, exercises, and conversation starters. There's a ‘Sex Talk Cheat Sheet’ for parents and references to an online Reading Group Guide. Wegner acknowledges that it's difficult to raise feminist boys when they're constantly barraged by misogynistic messages. This timely manual will help parents understand what it takes to model good behavior and set a positive example.”
—Booklist (starred review)
 

~Book list