At least once a year, around the time of examination results, the papers are full of stories of how boys are underachieving in comparison to girls. While arousing the curiosity, and often deeply troubling the parents of boys, the press, and indeed the government, rarely offers more than the 'laddish culture' or 'anti social behaviour' as the root cause. Parents deserve and need to know the full range of reasons why boys are underachieving and, fundamentally, what they can do to help prevent disaffection and underachievement in their boys. This highly informative and highly practical book contains strong messages about the need to develop independence in boys, the importance of male role models within the close (and extended) family and what to look out for in school, including signs of peer pressure and limiting negative self beliefs. It gives advice on how best to support boys in their learning and in developing self esteem.