Books on Single Mothers Raising Teenage Boys

In 2011, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that 10 million single mothers were raising kids under 18 years old. That number is almost triple what it was in 1970. As the lone parent, you may face a variety of challenges, such as caring for teenage boys with little input from male figures. A number of books offer guidance to mothers as they nurture their sons through adolescence.

  1. The Role of Mothers

    • Authors Peggy Drexler and Linden Gross offer "Raising Boys Without Men: How Maverick Moms Are Creating the Next Generation of Exceptional Men." The book is based on research that uncovers how boys benefit when parented by a mom alone. Advantages include emotional depth and a well-balanced life. In "Preparing Him for the Other Woman: A Mother's Guide to Raising Her Son to Love a Wife and Lead a Family," Sheri Rose Shepherd relates how moms influence their sons and are able to guide them towards being successful husbands and fathers.

    Advice for Mothers

    • "The Single Mother's Guide to Raising Remarkable Boys," written by Gina Panettieri and Philip S. Hall, discusses the many responsibilities single mothers of sons face when caring for their physical, emotional and developmental needs. The authors offer suggestions for helping sons cope with school, sports and growing up. In ̶0;Sons Without Fathers: What Every Mother Needs to Know,̶1; James L. Dickerson and Dr. Mardi Allen present research-based practical ideas for single moms, such as how to find an appropriate male role model if the biological dad is no longer in the picture.

    African-American Mothers

    • Kimberly Crouch takes an unusual approach in ̶0;Mother to Son: Words of Wisdom, Inspiration, and Hope for Today̵7;s Young African-American Men.̶1; In a series of letters to her sons, the author demonstrates how moms can guide their sons through challenges such as racism, peer pressure and financial insecurity. David Miller, author of "Raising Him Alone: Things Black Women Can Do to Raise Boys to be Men," collected information, affirmations and advice through interviews and focus groups with single moms.

    Religous Parenting

    • "Single Moms Raising Sons: Preparing Boys to Be Men When There's No Man Around" by Dana S. Chisholm examines the male world and offers advice from a Christian perspective. The book covers issues such as finances and the roles of men in society. David and Lisa Frisbie, "Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent," confronts struggles faced by many moms, such as helping kids deal with divorce, making financial and relationship decisions and strengthening their religious ties.

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