Why are boys so noisy? Why do they break things? Why are they fascinated with things that can burn, blind or cripple them? Why do they lose the gift of speech and get so smelly at adolescence? Why are boys so noisy? Why do they break things? Why are they fascinated with things that can burn, blind and cripple them? Why do they lose the gift of speech and get so smelly at adolescence? All this and more is revealed, with some surprising conclusions about what we think we know about the differences between boys and girls, and a few tilts at sacred cows. With practical examples and case studies to help all mothers raising boys, there's particular comfort for single mothers worried about the lack of men in their son's lives. Whether you're a mum, a harassed grandparent, or a guardian raising boys who may not be your sons but are your boys all the same, this book's for you. If you want effective strategies instead of platitudes, real solutions instead of catch-phrases, and a book with chapters on What mums want', 'It turns out Dad's not lazy, it's in his genes', 'throwing like a girl', 'Lion taming: managing boys' behaviour', 'How to be a cool mum' and 'trouble in Shoe-topia', then welcome to the real world of raising boys.