How to Be a Boy: and Do It Your Own Way

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So many things: everything from discovering your own identity, to looking after your mind and body, to being an ally and treating others with respect. And you’ll learn that the key to it all is understanding, compassion and kindness. Years later, I don’t remember his name, but I vividly remember that moment. The yellow hue of the bridge lights, the look of anguish and pain on his face. It has changed my perspective on how we deal with men’s mental health, and on the power of simply talking. All he needed in that moment was someone to listen and give him a helping hand, a bit of kindness. I didn’t just want readers to take my word for it. So I asked some of my inspirational friends who have their own unique insights and experiences to give their advice. And they’re not all male either, which I think is even more important! Likewise, the book has lots of examples of great role models who are or have done wonderful things in the world. Home> News> May 2023> Discussing compassion, kindness and ‘How to Be a Boy’ with Dr Ranj Discussing compassion, kindness and ‘How to Be a Boy’ with Dr Ranj I recognise the profound impact that mental health has on my own life. I’ve been there and felt it. I was a child who at one very dark point felt suicidal because he was desperately seeking someone to speak to. I’ve had family members who have experienced severe depression, to the point of being sectioned. And as an adult, I’ve had my own struggles with stress, anxiety and burnout. I may bear the scars, but I also have the skills and insight to know what to do and how to deal with it.

How to Be a Boy by Ranj Singh | Hachette UK

This new book ‘How to Be a Boy and Do It Your Own Way’ for ages 9+ is an informative, inclusive and empowering guide to help readers discover the boy that they are, as well as the boy that they want to be. Written with Dr Ranj’s usual warm and friendly style, it navigates several important topics including gender stereotypes, peer pressure and bullying, as well as mental health and body image. The book seeks to help young readers become their best selves. We asked Dr Ranj some questions about the book… The nation’s favourite doctor, Dr Ranj, is here to explain everything you ever wanted to know about puberty – plus lots more. I have another picture book coming out later this year, called Superfamily Like Ours, which is aimed at younger children and explores different kinds of families and how each one is just as amazing. And who knows what will be next? I like to be surprised! I found myself facing a young man who was on the brink of taking his own life. As a doctor, I’m used to speaking to people who are going through traumatic situations. But I’m used to that happening inside an A&E department, with support systems, equipment, and a set of protocols. In that moment, my medical skills were irrelevant. It was just me. All I had was compassion and conversation. I was terrified. Managing relationships, from parents and siblings to friends and crushes, and how to cope with bullyingWhat does it mean to be a boy? And I'm not just talking about what you have between your legs, but what life is really like for boys. Growing up is a real minefield! So I've put everything I've learned both from my career as an NHS doctor and my own life experiences into this twenty-first century guide to being a boy.

How to Be a Boy by Ranj Singh | Hachette UK How to Be a Boy by Ranj Singh | Hachette UK

In a world that is ever-changing and adapting, growing up can be a troublesome task. ‘Being a boy’ can mean something different to everybody. Amongst the many different messages put out into the world today that can seem confusing to young people, Dr Ranj champions individuality and self-love, embracing these differences that make us all who we are. I called the emergency services as we were walking, and the police soon arrived to take over. It was a strange feeling leaving him with them, having shared a moment that was so vulnerable and raw, but it was the right thing to do. How to Be a Boy and Do It Your Own Way is an empowering and inclusive guide, helping readers discover the type of boy they want to be – with confidence, positivity and kindness. In a world where everyone seems to have an opinion about what it means to be a man, Dr Ranj will help readers navigate these confusing messages and reassure them that there isn’t one way to be a boy; what’s important is to be true to yourself, and kind to others. The nation's favourite doctor, Dr Ranj, is here to explain everything you ever wanted to know about puberty - plus lots more.

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Dr. Ranj says: “Boys and young men are bombarded with so many messages and expectations nowadays that it can be difficult for them to work out who they really are and be confident in being themselves. Alongside that, we see so many examples of negative behaviour and toxic masculinity on screen and on social media. All of this has an impact on young minds, and I want to change that. I want boys to be happy and confident in whoever they are and be able to be their best selves.” Do you ever pretend to like something you don’t, just to fit in? Is it sometimes hard to tell others how you’re feeling? Do you wish there was less pressure on you to ‘man up’? Explore these questions and many more in this empowering and inclusive guide to masculinity for readers aged 10+ by the nation’s favourite doctor, Dr Ranj. Whether it’s thinking about hobbies or standing up to your mates, Dr Ranj is here to encourage boys to grow up happy with confidence, positivity and kindness. In his signature warm and conversational voice, Dr Ranj reflects on what it really means to be a boy in today’s world, looking at everything from stereotypes and peer pressure to mental health and respect for women. In a world where everyone seems to have an opinion about what it means to be a man, Dr Ranj is here to reassure readers that there isn’t one way to be a boy – just one way to be true to yourself. Filled with easy-to-understand explanations, down-to-earth advice and cheeky illustrations, this growing-up guide by trusted paediatrician Dr Ranj is perfect for readers aged 10+ who want to discover the confidence to be the very best version of themselves. Now, I don’t just casually inquire: “Are you OK?” I go the extra mile and ask: “Are you really OK?” This simple question serves as a powerful reminder to myself to delve deeper into the wellbeing of others. It urges me to push past surface-level responses and genuinely listen, to really understand the emotions and challenges that someone may be grappling with. It compels me to embrace kindness. Are you currently working on or planning any new ideas for children that you think our audience would be excited for?