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.

Grow Up and Feel Amazing! by Dr. Dr. Ranj Singh, David How to Grow Up and Feel Amazing! by Dr. Dr. Ranj Singh, David

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. 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.

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. 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.”

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

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. 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.It inspired me to create mental health first aid resources for the public, including instructional videos, to raise awareness and equip others with the tools to help in similar situations. I make sure to consider suicidal feelings in any young patient of mine going through distressing times, and I prioritise open conversations about mental health with my male friends and loved ones. This was especially important during the pandemic when mental health was so severely affected.

Feel Amazing!: The No-Worries Guide for How to Grow Up and Feel Amazing!: The No-Worries Guide for

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. The emotional impact of what happened hit me when I was in the safety of my flat. When I got home, I broke down and cried. It made me confront the harsh reality that suicide is the biggest killer of young men, and how important it is to listen and offer kindness to those struggling with mental health issues. 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.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. Looking after your body, from shaving, good hygiene and healthy eating to body confidence and exercise Alongside Dr Ranj’s insight as an NHS paediatrician, the book includes contributions from a wide range of voices and experts: actor, director, screenwriter and transgender rights activist Jake Graf on his experience as a trans man; award-winning mental health campaigner, producer and writer Jonny Benjamin on mental health; cook, stylist and DJ Gok Wan on loving your body; presenter and broadcaster Gethin Jones on leadership; TV personality, producer and fashion curator Ryan Lanji on being a queer man of colour–and many more, including Phyllis Akua Opoku-Gyimah, Suki Sandhu, Charlie Christensen, Michael Gunning, Emma Morris, Alexis Caught and Jordan Wylie.

Ranj Singh | Hachette How to Grow Up and Feel Amazing! by Ranj Singh | Hachette

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. Where did the idea come from and do you think you would’ve wanted to read this book when you were a boy growing up? 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. 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.