Between Mothers and Sons: The Making of Vital and Loving Men - Softcover

Bassoff, Evelyn S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0452274621 ISBN 13: 9780452274624

Publisher: Plume, 1995

Synopsis

“Remarkable this extraordinary book helps mothers explore the challenges, frustration, pain and joy that are unique to raising sons.”
—Washington Post Book World

A son’s physical, emotional, and psychological development differs vastly from that of a daughter’s — and raising a son can pose unique challenges for a mother. With great clarity and sensitivity, this groundbreaking book from Dr. Evelyn Bassoff, acclaimed psychologist and author of Mothers and Daughters, explains how mothers can remain nurturing presences in their sons’ lives throughout their many transitions. She details the important role a father plays in a son’s growth, and how mothers can support and celebrate their sons’ masculine energy — whether it manifests itself in a love of playing football or playing piano. Dr. Bassoff also illuminates the varied demands of raising sons for married and single mothers, stepmothers, and mothers of gay sons.

Drawing upon the best available research, as well as myths, legends, her experience raising her own son, and the personal stories of clients and friends, Dr. Bassoff offers an invaluable perspective on what mothers can do to insure that their sons become vital, loving men.

About this title

About the Author

Evelyn Bassoff, Ph.D., is a psychologist in private practice, and author of Mothers and Daughters, Mothering Ourselves, and Between Mothers and Sons (all Plume). She lives in Boulder, Colorado.

From Library Journal

Clinical psychologist Bassoff, a Parents' Magazine columnist and author of two books on mother/daughter relations (most recently, Mothers Ourselves: Help and Healing for Adult Daughters, Dutton, 1992), focuses here on the less studied but equally complex relationships that exist between mothers and sons. Bassoff blends anecdotes and literary examples with the latest theoretical research. She presents a clear and accessible discussion of various mother/son situations, including those involving two-parent families, single mothers, stepmothers, and mothers of gay sons. Throughout, the author encourages mothers to accept and enjoy the differences of gender that they will inevitably encounter and stresses the importance of providing sons with strong male figures. Despite her slight tendency to generalize about what is characteristically "male" or "female," Bassoff has written a book that mothers of boys, young and old, will want to read: for insights, for affirmation, and for joy. Recommended for public library parenting collections.
Linda Cullum, Lake Superior State Univ. Lib., Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Plume
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0452274621
• ISBN 13: 9780452274624
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 288