Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys by Stephen James and David Thomas
A Review by Wilson A. Shirley
Probably my favorite childrens book growing up was Where the Wild Things Are. I'm not sure why - maybe its because I could identify with it growing up with four brothers. My relatives used to call me "Wild Willy" so I'm sure that had something to do with it.
I live with two wild things, and maybe even three by August, will see. Not that my boys are overly ADD and uncontrollable but wild in the since of raw, adventrous, fearless. I love it when I get home in the evenings and the unsaid announcement begins, "Let the rumpus start" like Max from the Where the Wild Things Are. I do love my wild things.
I've always wanted to be a good parent. That was something important to me way back from when I decided I wanted to marry and be a godly husband and dad (I definitley pictured having a boys). Laura and I have always valued the importance of reading and studying parenting - Lord knows we got the books - I love some books. However we haven't been able to find many books that I'm willing to say, "read this book, it will help you parent." Most books are just about parenting.
Well Wild Things is more than just a book about parenting - it is written by two guys, Stephen James and David Thomas, who are counselors and parents. They write with great wit and wisdom. I loved their book Becoming a Dad which I also recommend.
Okay, I must confess, I have not read this entire book, but that is by design. James and Thomas address five stages of boys and each stage represents an approximate age range so I only read the ones that apply for now. However, the second half of the book gets into the mind of a boy and is more general.
I love this book. It is amazingly practical and funny. For instance, each section that deals with a certain stage has four parts, 1) The Lay of the Land (what's a boy like at this stage), 2) Who He is (personality). 3) What He Needs (self-explanatory), and 4) Putting the Principles into Practice (actual parenting advice for real-life situations).
If you have boys, read this book. James and Thomas take adolscence all the way to 22 in this book (which may be a stretch but there are some good arguments for that), which means its never too late. Even if you have grandchildren read this book so you can HELP!
Read it! You want be disappointed. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will be encouraged to parent and love your "wild thing."
