“Are you ready to transform your little tykes into future gladiators of faith, armed with biblical wisdom and perhaps a love for mayonnaise jars?” Before you scoff at the notion, let me introduce you to the new must-read for every household that’s blessed with noise, chaos, and boys: “Future Men: Raising Boys to Fight Giants: Christian Parenting for Bringing up Boys to be Strong Men of Faith.” This paperback gem, released on the culturally significant date of December 5, 2016, holds the promise of helping you mold your rambunctious brood into men who could, if required, take on Goliath with just a sling—and maybe a stern talking-to.
This image is property of Amazon.com.
What’s the Big Idea?
So, what’s the idea? The premise of “Future Men” is to train boys to face life’s challenges with the courage and wisdom of a modern-day David. It’s not all Old Testament warfare, though; there’s a good chunk about understanding, mentorship, and, oddly, the metaphorical power of slingshots in life. Because, frankly, if your kids aren’t ready to confront metaphorical giants, how will they handle the grocery store line on a Sunday afternoon?
[aiwm-amazon-card title=”Future Men: Raising Boys to Fight Giants: Christian Parenting for Bringing up Boys to be Strong Men of Faith Paperback – December 5, 2016″ image_url=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81BjlAkf8VL._SL1500_.jpg” product_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591281105?tag=ledlightin05e-20″ original_price=”15.95″ discounted_price=”11.17″ currency=”USD|$” availability=”In Stock” disclaimer=”As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases”]
The Author’s Approach
Douglas Wilson, the author, is like the eccentric uncle you never had but always wanted. He drops nuggets of sage advice wrapped in humor and a no-nonsense approach to parenting. You know, the type who wouldn’t bat an eye if the kids are covered in mud but would faint if they misquote a scripture. Here’s what’s fascinating: Wilson lays out his thoughts like he’s mapping a battle strategy—minus the chainmail armor and trebuchets.
Breaking Down the Giant
To make the colossal task of raising boys a smidge easier, here’s a handy table breaking down the core aspects of the book:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Prepare boys to be godly men facing modern challenges |
| Author Style | Witty, insightful, and laden with biblical references |
| Key Topics | Discipline, leadership, faith, and surprisingly frequent mentions of giants |
| Ideal Audience | Parents, guardians, and anyone with a boy and a prayer |
| Recommended Age for Boys | Ideally pre-giant fighting age, unless you live in Narnia |
Parenting the Wilson Way
Wilson doesn’t sugarcoat. After all, would you respect a warrior who practices with pool noodles? Unlikely! Wilson speaks to parents as allies in a battle against a culture that might just be plotting to influence your mini-warrior’s future Spotify playlist—God forbid. His tone is a playful yet potent mix of practicality, humor, and a splash of “Do you seriously not expect to get your hands dirty?”
Giants, Slings, and Everything In Between
Are Giants Metaphorical or Real?
In this book, giants are less about terribly tall folks with alarming eyewear choices and more about life’s challenges. Can these giants be teachers who expect essays filled with proper grammar? Absolutely. Wilson explains how arming boys with faith makes them impervious to the giants of doubt, peer pressure, and perhaps even algebra.
Slingshots: A Metaphor for Life Skills
Remember when I mentioned slingshots? True story; they make several appearances—not always in the projectile-launching sense. The book speaks to teaching boys the art of simplicity, focus, and strategic thinking. It’s like philosophizing over how one gets the peanut butter unstuck from the jar lid, only more dignified.
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Humor: The Ultimate Weapon
Keep It Light, Keep It Right
Parenting is serious business—until someone draws on the walls. Wilson skillfully uses humor as an essential tool. His wit doesn’t just entertain; it’s also a reminder that parenting should be enjoyable. Like the time your toddler decided spaghetti is a versatile hat.
Lessons from Unexpected Places
And here’s where Wilson shines: making it obvious that the most profound lessons might come from unlikely situations, like bedtime story debates and why dinosaurs didn’t eat humans. His anecdotes lend relief to the expectant parent worried about botching everything right from breakfast cereal selection to spiritual guidance.
Practical Applications
Faith as a Lifestyle
“Future Men” emphasizes that faith isn’t about sporadic Sunday service attendance. It’s a lifestyle, akin to choosing kale over potato chips—but with eternal rewards. Wilson’s approach is about seamlessly integrating faith into everyday decisions, the same way one might decide whether to watch the hair-cutting tutorial or just let grandma handle it.
Discipline: The Art of Not Losing Your Mind
Ah, discipline. The sacred act of saying “no” 94 times in an hour. But Wilson’s take is refreshing. Discipline, he writes, should teach self-governance. When we teach boys to regulate inputs (read: not launching peas at their sister), they learn to govern larger realms like empathy and ethics. Who knows, maybe even the intricacies of tax returns!
Mentorship: The Secret Sauce
Wilson underlines the importance of mentors—real ones, not just the squirrels outside who seem wise until you notice they’re just after the acorns. Providing boys with solid role models is essential. Whether it’s Uncle Bob the Trout-Wrestler or Pastor Pete, mentors are mirrors of what’s possible.
Imagining the Future
The essence of Wilson’s guide is envisioning a future where your “little man” stands firm, unyielding in a sea of challenges. Today’s tantrums over broccoli might just forge tomorrow’s confidence in presenting ideas during board meetings—or retreating to the breakroom when those ideas crash and burn.
This image is property of pixabay.com.
A Word of Caution
Proceed with Both Faith and Humor
While the book is stellar in offerings, be mindful of its highly Christian perspective. It may not tickle everyone’s fancy the way a Thanksgiving pie does. However, this rich vein of wisdom might just be the thing your parenting toolkit lacks.
Now that you’re equipped with the profound and occasionally hilarious insights from “Future Men,” consider adding this book to your arsenal. Because if there’s anything the Trojan Horse taught us, it’s that preparation is key, and history professors are innovation-blockers. Let this book be your guide in raising boys who not only face giants but also beat them—with kindness, wit, and a surprisingly effective slingshot technique.
Discover the latest books on parenting teenagers as well as tips and tricks on how to cope with your teen while keeping your mental health intact.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
0 responses to “Future Men: Raising Boys Review”