subject: A Review on DVD Raising Cain [print this page] A Review on DVD Raising Cain A Review on DVD Raising Cain
PBS has beautifully documented the emotional development of American boys in this 2-hr DVD hosted by Dr Michael Thompson. He is one of the co-authors for the book under the same title. In this video, Dr Thompson conducted in-depth interviews with various boys from birth through high school, of different race and socio-economical backgrounds. His interviews were candid and revealed the many challenges and confusion all boys encounter while growing up in America this 21st century.
I had read his book Raising Cain years ago. And seeing this video recently has significantly refreshed me. So what is in the video? Basically it explores:
How and why boys are being stifled in their development by society, by stereo-typing and also by educational system which is inclined towards girls' development.
How the lack of positive adult-male role models give rise to boy's decline in classroom performance, rise in violent outbreaks and inability to communicate inner feelings.
At the end of each section, Dr Thompson models ways for parents, educators and counselors to engage boys and help them discuss many internal issues they have conflicts with.
Even though I am residing in Asia, I can easily identify many similar issues highlighted in the video such as why boys cannot concentrate well in class, why they are inclined to bully and violence etc.
On the hindsight, maybe these are the common social issues found in other developing countries where many dads are the missing figures at home.
Truly there are good parenting boys books in the market. It would take weeks and even months to read and digest' their content. Personally I find this video has cleverly condensed the crux of the issues and provides feasible solutions in raising boys. I believe its comprehensive presentation will shorten our learning curve significantly in helping our boys.
Indeed, this is a recommendable training tool to parents, educators and anyone who works with boys, and is interested in raising happy and successful boy.
To learn more about raising cain, go to http://zadki-raisingboys.blogspot.com/
