Raising a Son: Parents and the Making of a Healthy Man

In this wide-ranging volume, the Eliums (he is a marriage, family and child counselor; she leads support groups) explore both sides of the nature vs. nurture argument. They believe that the male sex hormone testosterone is the root of both male development and behavior. They also emphasize the need boys have for a strong male role model. Some of their discussions may strike readers as too New Age or vague to be of use, but still, there is solid information here. What the authors do best is to illustrate how both mothers and fathers need to set limits for their sons and enforce those limits when necessary. They do this by citing examples and case studies, which will stir recognition in many families. The authors remind parents that they, too, will have to undergo some self-examination and changes of attitude in dealing with their sons. A handy index of publications, networks, and organizations that can help parents is appended. The Eliums' book may not be the final say-so in child-rearing, but it's an interesting signpost along the way. (May)