Review of Strong Minds and Gentle Hearts

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Strong Minds and Gentle Hearts" by Emma E. Cameron.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Title: Strong Minds and Gentle Hearts
Author: Emma E. Cameron

I have both a son and a daughter, although they are adults now, and I can vividly remember how difficult it was, with one rule not suiting both in so many ways. They coped with schoolwork in different ways and played and matured differently. Yes, my son fiddled and looked out of the window instead of focusing, whilst my daughter diligently concentrated quietly. I wish I had saved myself angst and worry by reading a book like this!

Her advice is good. Everything, from mentoring (there are groups with men mentoring sons of single mums in community halls in America), screentime, reading varied and multicultural literature, discipline, coping with possible ADHD, etc, are talked about.

The book is written well and fluidly, with no complicated educational terminology. Boys are different from girls in so many ways, and Emma Cameron provides well-thought-out and valuable advice for their rearing.

Regarding cell-phone usage, I would like to say that I loved the quote from a child:

'Sometimes when my phone dies, it feels like my brain turns on.' Lovely.

I read the book quickly and easily. Although I enjoyed it, I do feel that it could have all been condensed into a shorter volume. I felt as if I were reading the same advice repeatedly. This is just my opinion, and for it, I will deduct a star and award four out of five.

The editing was perfect. The chapters were of a good length. If I were a young mother with a son, I would definitely find this book useful, and looking back, it all seems so obvious now.

Within the pages of this book, the reader will learn why boys, with their boundless energy and neurological differences from girls, and, when they are older, surges of testosterone, need male-appropriate treatment at home and school. I recommend this book to teachers, child carers and parents.

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Strong Minds and Gentle Hearts
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Hills Christopher Albert]

This review gives a thoughtful and personal perspective on the challenges of raising boys and girls differently. I like how it highlights practical advice without being too technical, making it accessible for many parents. The mention of real-life examples, like mentoring programs and the funny phone quote, adds warmth and relatability. It sounds like a useful guide, especially for parents wanting to understand their kids better.

[Catherine Sweet]

This review gives a useful overview of the book and how it can help adults deal appropriately with young boys and girls. My children are also adults, but for those with young children, it sounds like it is well worth reading.

[Onyemuwa-dave]

It's clear how much you wished you'd had this resource as a young mother, recognizing the different ways boys cope with schoolwork, play, and mature. Your appreciation for the practical advice on mentoring, screentime, and discipline, and that fantastic quote about phone use, truly highlight the book's core strengths.