Raising Boys Who Respect Girls
Upending Locker Room Mentality, Blind Spots, and Unintended Sexism
- Marriage, Family & Relationships
- Publisher: Nelson Books (Thomas Nelson)
- Published: 2019
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Publisher's Description
Dave Willis, author, speaker, and father of four boys, talks biblically and practically about how to raise a generation of boys who are champions, encouragers, and respecters of women. In the #metoo and #churchtoo era, with so many men and boys continuing to make the same mistakes, we have to ask: Where are we going wrong? And perhaps more importantly, how do we raise up men who will break this cycle? As the father of four boys, relationship coach and author Dave Willis has studied this issue deeply, concluding that if we are to raise boys to respect girls--and not end up with men who say they respect women but whose actions reveal otherwise--we must go back to the heart of things. Or, more specifically, we must go back to our own hearts. In Raising Boys Who Respect Girls, Willis helps readers inventory the blind spots that lead to accidental forms of disrespect, showing how to root out issues in our own hearts before we inadvertently pass along these same issues to our boys. He also teaches readers how to cultivate a healthy respect for God and for themselves as created in his image, as well as a similar respect for others. Full of scripture, research, age-specific tools, and conversation models, this book offers a practical strategy for mindful parents to first embody the right principles themselves and then teach them to their sons. -- "The father of four young boys, pastor and Christian speaker Dave Willis narrates his own audiobook about the changes parents can make to raise boys who respect women. Willis carefully emphasizes key passages with his focused narration, making sure to bring a tone of grave concern to the more upsetting passages and the occasional levity of a dad joke to lighten the mood. Willis's perspective is definitely that of a Christian man, but he does his best to overcome any personal blindspots and share the wisdom he has discovered. His performance keeps the listener engaged with his message." - Audiofile Magazine
Endorsements (15)
“Our culture sends mixed and harmful messages about what it means to be a man. As a father of two sons, it has been a constant battle to help them avoid internalizing these destructive ideas. That’s why I’m thankful for Dave Willis’s book. It will help parents equip their sons to have a biblical, redemptive vision of manhood.”
“As a survivor of child abuse and domestic violence, one of my greatest dreams for my daughters is that God blesses them with loving, gentle, and honorable husbands. Reading Raising Boys Who Respect Girls has given me profound hope for our children’s generation. The humble, compassionate, and poignant words of Dave Willis provide a beautiful window into the heart of a father who desires—not only to raise his own sons to model Jesus—but to inspire other parents to do the same. Rather than shame masculinity, Dave elevates it as a blessing from God to be celebrated and used to model Jesus Christ. I am grateful for this book.”
“Many modern-day cultural critics both inside and outside the church are standing on the banks of a river complaining about all the trash flowing downstream. Much of the critique is around the state of masculinity. One of the greatest needs of the day is for men and women to move upstream and stop the trash from being thrown in the river to begin with. My firm belief is that the upstream issue of our day is the hearts of men. Dave Willis has journeyed upstream not only to identify the problem but to give us practical solutions. The health of a church, a community, and a culture can never exceed the health of the hearts of its men.”
“This isn’t about toxic masculinity or the gender wars. Raising Boys Who Respect Girls is about the quiet, seemingly unnoticeable things that happen every day that perpetuate the mind-set that women are not worthy of love and respect. With bold honesty and conviction, Willis shares his own past mistakes, his current fight to end the cycle with his four boys, and practical advice we can all implement as we work toward a changed future.”
“Dave Willis is an anointed speaker and writer. No matter where you are in your parenting walk, you need to read this book.”
“Dave Willis boldly tackles topics that are imperative to address with all men, young and old alike. His direct and courageous transparency, both through personal experience and candid interviews, unveils and illuminates root patterns continuing to keep women in bondage. Dave powerfully reveals the hidden struggles and calls the next generation of men to more. Raising Boys Who Respect Girls is a must-have resource for anyone parenting boys.”
“This book is for every parent who cares about raising boys in our day. Dave helps us understand the challenges of raising ‘men of honor’ in a complicated and confusing culture. He shares his own struggles with his signature humor and practical style that gives do-able answers that every mom and dad need. Do yourself and your boys a favor and read this book today!”
“Those who mistakenly believe it is impossible to be effective as a parent or guardian know nothing about Raising Boys Who Respect Girls! Anyone who has concerns about raising children needs this book in their personal library. Dave’s keen dedication for his family leaves an everlasting impression about the delightful measures of raising respectable boys. Dynamic! Pulsating with spiritual energy . . . waiting to be read!”
“More than ever before, our sons need to know what a real man is . . . and what he isn’t. As a mom of four sons I am passionate about raising my boys to become good and godly men, yet the culture we are raising them in can make that really hard. Oh, how desperately we need a voice of reason to help families catch a vision for raising boys to be true men—men of character and integrity. Men who respect women. In the pages of this book, Dave Willis offers that voice of reason—and what a better world this would be if all parents raising boys could read it.”
“The tone Dave sets in this book is one of truth and grace. It doesn’t bash men or parents, it brings realization to why things are the way they are. I truly believe that anyone who reads this book will have the power to help change the direction of our culture. It’s a book I had no idea I had been waiting for, until I read it.”
“Boys need role models to show them what real manhood looks like, which includes relating to girls in an honorable way—not objectifying or discounting them. Willis compels parents to bring an end to the disrespect of females and the belittling of males, through poignant illustrations, sobering statistics, and a hopeful way forward. As parents of three boys and two girls, we are deeply grateful for this timely, transparent resource. We highly recommend this right-now message to anyone who is raising or impacting the next generation.”
“This is the most important book I have read in quite some time. Dave Willis speaks biblically, yet frankly, about the global problem of raising boys who respect girls. This boy mom couldn’t put it down. It’s a must-read!”
“Raising Boys Who Respect Girls is a much-needed reality check, reminding us that it takes the utmost courage, perseverance, and intention to raise children who are willing to go against the loud voice of culture. But the most important reminder is that a life of respect has to begin with each and every one of us, as we lead our children by example. I’m grateful for the bold truth in this hopeful book!”
“Raising Boys Who Respect Girls might be one of the most important books I’ve ever read. As a dad to four boys, I feel a deep-seated burden to raise young men who will honor and respect women. The crisis is real and the challenges of today make this book so relevant. Willis helps the reader follow the example of Christ in the way He elevated and treated women. I can’t wait to go through this book with my sons and with other dads and their sons.”
“This book is essential to our time. Dave doesn’t hold back, bringing honest, researched truth combined with passionate heart. The input from women only makes this resource all the more valuable. The spiritual truth with practical wisdom creates a clinically sound yet such an easy-to-read resource for more than just parents of boys. This book will shift cultural thinking.”
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