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

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The nation’s favourite doctor, Dr Ranj, is here to explain everything you ever wanted to know about puberty – plus lots more. 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 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.

A moment that changed me: I talked a man out of jumping off a

The nation's favourite doctor, Dr Ranj, is here to explain everything you ever wanted to know about puberty - plus lots more. 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.” It covers the obvious things like the physical changes you'll go through during puberty and adolescence (hello, pubic hair and voice breaking!), but also helps you to figure out how to manage your emotions, deal with friends and family and learn about healthy relationships.

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What 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. Since that transformative night on the bridge, I’ve learned to trust my instincts when something feels amiss. I have made it my mission to consistently ask, “Are you really OK?” because I understand the significant effect it can have.

TV personality and NHS paediatrician hopes to inspire young

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. Are you OK?” I asked. I gripped his arm, hoping that my firm grip could keep him safe. I started talking to him, asking how he had got there and what I could do to help. If I could maintain a gentle conversation, then hopefully I could distract him from his thoughts and buy enough time to persuade him not to jump.

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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… Primary Times speaks with NHS Paediatrician, BAFTA-award-winning TV Presenter and Sunday Times bestselling children’s author Dr Ranj about his new book ‘How to Be a Boy (And Do It Your Own Way)’. 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.