I am still reading the book, Raising Boys by Steve Biddulph…if you missed my first post about the book that discussed the three stages of boyhood, please go here.

I am done with another two new topics…geez, I am so slow…but yes, I promise I will finish the book because its really interesting.

Anyway, here’s what the second chapter is all about, it discussed testosterone for us to understand boys better…

• Testosterone in varying degrees affects every boy. It gives him growth spurts, makes him want to be active, and makes him competitive and in need of strong guidelines and a safe, ordered environment.

• It triggers significant changes: (1) at four – into activity and boyishness; (2) at thirteen – ito rapid growth and disorientation; and (3) at fourteen – into testing limits and breaking through to early manhood.

• The boy with testosterone in his bloodstream likes to know who is the boss, but also must be treated fairly. Bad environments bring out the worst in him. The boy with lots of testosterone needs special help to develop leadership qualities and to channel his energies in good ways!

• A boy needs to learn empathy and feeling, and be shown tenderness if he is to be sexually caring being.

• Some girls have a lot of testosterone but, on the whole, its a boy thing—and it needs our understanding, not blame or ridicule. Testosterone equals vitality, and it’s our job to honour it and steer it in healthy directions.

Testosterone makes a man complete: COMPLETE MAN or COMPLETE IDIOT.

Now, its up to you which direction to take…or to direct your boys! I know I am raising a good boy…that will be a complete man someday! *winks*