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

by Evelyn S. Bassoff

"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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0452274621
• ISBN13: 9780452274624
• Release Date: September 1995
• Publisher: Plume Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

compassionate look at an essential relationship

While some might object to the overarching psychoanalytic tone, there is a lot to learn and enjoy here as the author incorporates personal experience, anecdotes, research and mythology into her account of the relationship between mothers and sons. I liked her early statement that having a son had moved her from a rigidly feminist position toward one that is more flexible and humanistic. The first section discusses the traits that are uniquely male, and contains chapters on male energy, male role models, male separation and love & sex. I thought this was particularly informative. The second section deals with various special relationships -- shared parenting, single mothers, stepmothers and gay sons. Final chapters deal with the mature relationship between mothers and sons.The author writes from experience and with compassion, and this is a worthwhile book for mothers (and sons) to read.

Insightful & Engaging!

As the mother of 3 sons, I found this book particularly insightful in exploring the unique role both parents play in their sons' lives. Fascinating interpretation of standard boy's fairy tales/stories -- such as Jack & the Bean Stalk & Bambi -- and the impact such tales have on a boy's coming of age.