With Father's Day around the corner, we dig into the topic of a father's role in raising boys. David Thomas, who co-wrote the book "Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys" with Stephen James, joins us this morning to talk about this important role.
David Thomas is a therapist and director of counseling for men and boys at Daystar Counseling in Nashville, Tennessee. He lives in Nashville with his wife, Connie; daughter, Lily; and twins, Baker and Witt.
5 Stages of a boy's development
1) The Explorer (ages 2-4) - As soon as a boy can walk and talk, he begins exploring the edges of his world.
2) The Lover (ages 5-8) - A boy at this stage is more sensitive to the feelings and needs of others around him, and he begins to experience his first spiritual awakening.
3) The Individual (ages 9-12) - Boys at this stage are developing a stronger sense of self and have started to consider what it means to be a man.
4) The Wanderer (ages 13-17) - At this stage, a boy will careen back and forth between his desire for adult involvement and his desire to be left alone.
5) The Warrior (ages 18-22) - Boys at this stage are full of promise, purpose, and insight in the homestretch of a long journey.