Mother and Son: The Respect Effect

Eggerichs (Love & Respect in the Family) believes that girls need love from their mothers, and boys need respect from them. This simple thesis is the jumping-off point for the latest parenting book from the pastor, speaker, and conductor of the Love and Respect Conference. Building off his GUIDES checklist (giving, understanding, instructing, disciplining, encouraging, supplicating) of parenting techniques for mothers, Eggerichs also suggests applying the CHAIRS checklist of boys’ needs: conquest, hierarchy, authority, insight, relationship, and sexuality. In chapters pegged to the CHAIRS concept, Eggerichs explains the mother-son relationship through scriptural exegesis as well as drawing on the work of several sociologists and personal testimonials. The book offers a glut of information and advice, though the writing can be dense and unwieldy. Eggerichs’s overall thesis seems to reinforce gender stereotypes; a chapter titled “An Empathetic Look at the Motherly Objections to Respecting a Boy” defends the book against charges of sexism. Eggerichs’s ideas and confident and commanding voice will appeal to conservative Christian parents who desire a new way of relating to male children. (Apr.)