In her book, Preparing Him for the Other Woman, Sheri Rose Shepherd uses her own experiences and spiritual guidance to encourage mothers in their journey towards raising loving and respectful men that don’t promote misogyny and embrace the beauty that is a woman. Shepherd emphasizes that when boys are young, mom is the woman in their lives. Mom is the standard for them. As a mother, we are defining and shaping how they look at women. The way a man loves a woman has much to do with what he learned as a little boy through his relationship with his mother. Sheri Rose Shepherd stresses the importance that if your son is going to respect his wife, he has to respect you first.

From a mother’s perspective, it is helpful that Shepherd shows the importance of using every opportunity we have to train our sons while they are living in our home. Only a mother can teach her son:

* to understand a woman’s heart
*how to express his love
* the power of purity
*the importance of providing for his family
* how to be accountable
*how to be a hero
* how to learn the art of affirmation
* to resolve conflict
* to find a good wife

Many boys are confused about the role of a man. This is why our impact as mothers is so pivotal. In the culture we live in, boys get their information from television, radio, magazines (your Victoria’s Secret catalog or the fashion magazines in the grocery store checkout stand), video games, internet, etc. With the ability moms have to shape their sons we can assist them in making wiser choices; choices to forgo the misinterpretations of society and see the truth behind a mother’s wisdom. Shepherd understands this well and uses great wisdom to guide us in how to steer our sons in the right direction.

Shepherd’s heartfelt stories and examples are right on. Sometimes they’re comical, and sometimes full of sentiment. She further assists mothers by breaking down age groups in each chapter and giving specific methods for training boys with great practical examples such as affirming him and recognizing him when he does something to show that he loves you. Shepherd states, “Make it a priority to be available to your son whenever he is willing to open his heart to you. Your availability to your son is an important way to affirm your love for him.” Also, don’t be afraid to say you’re sorry. “If you embarrass your son or hurt his feelings, offer him a sincere apology.”

These are just small glimpses of Shepherd’s examples and wisdom for mothers. Passing this book on to others is imperative. Boys can certainly be crazy and can get a bad rap. But with the help of fellow mothers and resources like Shepherd’s book, any mom can be on the road to continued success with her little man.