Your Boy and His Training

Your Boy and His Training by Edwin Seward Puller is a deeply insightful and practical exploration into the psychology, behavior, and moral development of boys from childhood through adolescence. Written with a compassionate but disciplined perspective, the book is a comprehensive guide for parents, guardians, and educators tasked with shaping the character and conduct of young boys in a rapidly changing world. Opening with The Eternal Boy-Problem, Puller frames the boy not as a problem to be solved but as a complex individual whose habits, emotions, and choices are shaped profoundly by adult influence. The early chapters focus on parental responsibility and delve into foundational topics like child and adolescent psychology, emphasizing the need for adults to understand the developmental stages of boys rather than dominate or suppress them. Puller presents both the repressive and suggestive methods of training, advocating strongly for the latter — a positive, guiding approach that encourages intrinsic discipline and moral reasoning. The book addresses specific behavioral challenges such as disobedience, falsehood, the cigarette habit, and gang behavior, while also providing progressive views on sex education, juvenile reading habits, and the influence of organizations like the Boy Scouts. Importantly, Puller explores the judicial and social systems affecting youth, with a thoughtful chapter on Children’s Courts, emphasizing the role of society in rehabilitation rather than punishment. Written in a clear, moral, and practical tone, the book balances authority with empathy, and discipline with understanding — making it a timeless manual for raising boys into ethical, emotionally strong, and socially responsible men.