Introduction 6; The importance of understanding how boys differ from girls and how to make the most of these differences; Chapter 1: What makes a boy? 8; The role of biology and sex hormones in shaping how a boy thinks and behaves; Effects of the male hormone testosterone on prenatal development; How testosterone determines differences in the brain's structure and developmental timetable from birth to the teenage years and later life; Nature and nurture; Chapter 2: How do boys communicate? 28; In what way do boys communicate differently from girls? Sensitive periods for visual and listening skills in boys and their effect on language development; How parents can encourage boys to express themselves; Chapter 3: Emotional life 48; How do boys handle their emotions? How parents can help boys deal with feelings of fear, frustration, aggression, anger and insecurity; Helping boys with social skills, bonding and relationships; Chapter 4: Are boys the weaker sex? 70; Physical development, growth patterns and health issues; Factors that put boys more at risk, including birth injury, autism and attention deficit disorder; Practical issues including toilet training in boys, sexual urges and orientation, diet and exercise; Chapter 5: Boys in motion 92; How boys and girls develop balance, movement and hand-eye co-ordination; Areas of superiority and weakness in boys and girls; Risk factors associated with boys; Boys and sport; Chapter 6: Education 112; What do teachers have to say about boys' progress at school? Which subjects do they tend to do best in? Sex differences predisposing boys to success or failure in reading; How boys and girls differ in their logical thinking skills, visual-spatial abilities, musical and creative thinking; How to capitalize on boys' natural curiosity; Chapter 7: Making a man 134; Latest research findings on what influences the male personality; Teenage boys - why they behave the way they do and how to deal with the turbulent years; Society's expectations; Index 158
