Why Boys Don’t Talk--and Why It Matters A Parent's Survival Guide to Connecting with Your Teen

Helps parents reopen the lines of communication with "silent" teenage sons and stay emotionally connected with themAdolescent boys are notoriously uncommunicative. Unfortunately, too many parents equate not talking with not feeling, and, as authors Susan Morris Shaffer and Linda Perlman Gordon explain in this groundbreaking guide, parents who make that assumption end up validating only the most superficial aspects of their sons. Recent bestsellers such asReal BoysandThe Wonder of Boyshave done a good job of sensitizing parents to the inner lives of boys and opening their eyes to how society shortchanges boys emotionally.Now,Why Boys Don't Talk--and Why It Mattersgoes a step further. Coauthored by a nationally acclaimed expert on gender equity and a social worker--both of whom successfully raised teenagers of both sexes--it: Arms parents with proven techniques for communicating with their adolescent sons and reestablishing strong emotional bonds with them Draws upon focus groups as well as the authors' considerable experience in gender equity research and counseling, to analyze the subtle ways boys communicate connection

Susan Morris Shaffer an educator for more than 30 years, provides assistance to state education agencies and public schools in the areas of gender and multicultural education.

Linda Perlman Gordon, L.C.S.W., M.Ed. (Chevy Chase, MD) is a clinical social worker, trained mediator, and graduate of the prestigious Family Therapy Practice Center.