> Skip to content
That's My Boy
  • Published: 1 September 2003
  • ISBN: 9780091889647
  • Imprint: Vermilion
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 224
  • RRP: $34.99

That's My Boy



Presents the latest research on the development and education of boys, drawing on Jenni's own experience of raising two sons, as well as that of other parents

A poignant, practical, light-hearted and celebratory look at raising boys with a strong and controversial message, asking that parents and the education system take responsibility for the 'feminisation' of boys, in much the same way as attention was paid to the 'masculinisation' of girls. Media and government attention is now being focussed on the fact that girls are outperforming boys academically but no mention is made of what kind of husbands and fathers they will make. With many families stretched to breaking point on the rack of mismatched expectations, boys need guidance on juggling work and family in the same way as girls are expected to; becoming domesticated as well as surviving in the jungle of accepted notions of 'masculinity'. The vital message is that boys, like girls, should have choices and should not be forced into the stereotypical role of the male as absent father or football fan. That's My Boy! covers boys' lives from birth to 18 and discusses everything from how a mother deals with the shock of caring for and maintaining a member of the opposite sex, how to endure hours spent on a rugby touchline, how to read the signs that indicate a longing for physical affection and whether or not to laugh at sexist jokes they bring home.

  • Published: 1 September 2003
  • ISBN: 9780091889647
  • Imprint: Vermilion
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 224
  • RRP: $34.99

About the author

Jenni Murray

Jenni Murray is a journalist and broadcaster who has presented BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour since 1987. She is the author of several books, including Memoirs of a Not So Dutiful Daughter, A History of Britain in 21 Women and A History of the World in 21 Women. She lives in North London and Cheshire.

Also by Jenni Murray

See all

Praise for That's My Boy

just as she brought both humour and experience to her best-selling book on the menopause, Murray takes the same approach in this invaluableguide. That's My Boy! covers everything you need to know about raising boys, from how to cope with hours spent ona rugby touchline, to how to tell when cuddles are welcome

Waterston'es Books

an instructive and indispensible guide to bringing up happy and confident boys

The Observer

really fascinating and very useful

Piers Morgan

A well written, humourous and ironic book. A must for parents with boys

BBC Parenting

a persuasive and eminently readable blend of cultural analysis and anecdotal evidence, examining society's attitudes towards boys and the gender assumptions that we all sometimes make. She doesn't shy away from the big issues, addressing the thorny issues of education, fightin, sexuality and father-son relationships with a forthright approach and a wry good humour. A fascinating read of you've got (or are expecting) boys of your own.

Junior Pregnancy & Birth