Decoding Boys offers new insights on raising today’s sons
Featured book: Decoding Boys: New Science Behind the Subtle Art of Raising Sons by Cara Natterson, M.D.
By Kate Morris, Ed.D.
As a mother of three boys, I am continually seeking resources to help navigate the challenges of parenting teenagers. In Decoding Boys, Cara Natterson, M.D., draws on both her expertise as a pediatrician and her perspective as a parent to offer an insightful and empathetic exploration of male puberty.
Written in a conversational yet credible tone, the book blends scientific knowledge with practical parenting guidance. Natterson’s approach is accessible, balanced, and nonjudgmental, making this a valuable resource for any parent striving to better understand and support their sons during adolescence.
Decoding Boys: New Science Behind the Subtle Art of Raising Sons explores not only the biological realities of male puberty but also the cultural, social, and technological pressures that shape adolescent development. While the subject matter is rooted in science, Cara Natterson, M.D., presents it in a clear, relatable way that makes complex behaviors understandable rather than overwhelming. In an era when information is abundant yet parents often feel isolated in navigating their sons’ changing attitudes and behaviors, this book offers both guidance and reassurance. Natterson tackles challenging but essential topics—such as screen time, pornography, consent, peer pressure, and anxiety—with honesty and empathy. Her conversational style creates a sense of community and support, validating the often-unspoken struggles of parents raising teenage boys.
Although there were countless passages I highlighted and will likely revisit in the years ahead, my greatest takeaway from Decoding Boys is the reminder to keep communicating with our sons. It is often said that as boys enter adolescence, conversation dwindles into one-word answers or silence. Natterson underscores how our culture frequently defines masculinity as toughness and stoicism, leading us to normalize “boy quiet” rather than challenge it (p. 171). Reading this book made me recognize how I have accepted that silence in the past—and inspired me to change. Even when it feels uncomfortable, the responsibility lies with us to keep the lines of communication open. Whether it’s talking during car rides, inviting them to join us on errands, or simply refusing to let silence become the norm, Natterson shows that persistence matters. This book has not only reshaped how I view adolescence but has also begun to transform my relationship with my sons. For this, I am grateful.
Decoding Boys: New Science Behind the Subtle Art of Raising Sons by Cara Natterson, M.D. is both insightful and informative, offering parents guidance and reassurance during what can often feel like an isolating and confusing stage of adolescence. With equal measures of expertise and empathy, Natterson provides practical tools and perspectives that help parents navigate the complexities of raising sons with confidence and compassion.