The upbringing of a boy is as important as a girl, there is no doubt about this. But bringing up a boy, into a good teenage boy and then into a responsible gentleman is a real challenge.
I have four boys, so my daily routine is like a rollercoaster ride, every other hour is a new challenge and a new jump. From making bed to going to school, completing homework to socializing and even sometimes finishing dinner and cleaning up.
To raise a boy into a man, we mothers need a man. Or in some unfortunate cases a manly figure. Because a mother makes a baby into a boy, but it is a man who makes a boy into a man.
But what kind of a man I am talking about here, no matter who raises them. Even if there is no man or there is one ruling remains the same.
As parents we should have to keep a lot of things in our mind while raising a boy.
Here are my few suggestions while raising my boys along with my husband.
1. Role Modeling As A First Tool:
The significance of positive male role models in shaping boys’ behavior and values cannot be denied. As I said earlier mothers make babies into young boys, whereas fathers make boys to stand up for themselves, firm their grounds, teach them how to recognize their friends and foe.
As a mother it is difficult for us to give any challenge to our child which can create discomfort or fear them. But it’s a duty of father while raising their boys into socially strong man, that they challenge them emotionally, physically, intellectually and spiritually. Yet keeping a strong eye on them, monitoring them, correcting them and teaching them and comforting them at the same time.
2. Teach Emotional Intelligence:
Teaching emotional intelligence and raising a gentleman involves emotional intelligence, encouraging them to express and understand their emotions, empathy, self-awareness, and respectful behavior. Children learn by observing their parents, so it is necessary to demonstrate healthy emotional expression and regulation yourself.
Label and discuss emotions openly, helping your son understand and articulate his feelings. Model empathy by showing kindness and understanding towards others, and discuss how actions impact people’s emotions, this will help them solve conflicts peacefully and assertively. Encourage friendships with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Help him understand that everyone makes mistakes, and learning from them is part of personal growth.
Teach them that there is sometimes a need to compromise and negotiation is required, rather than aggressive behavior. Emphasize good manners, including saying “please” and “thank you,” holding doors open, and treating others with courtesy and promoting understanding and kindness towards others.
3. Responsibility in Actions:
For raising boys, teaching to take responsibility for their actions and decisions. We can train them by giving them small tasks and responsibility on daily bases through house chores, like cleaning the waste bin, making you bed the moment you wake-up (because making bed is like a daily medal, if you haven’t achieved any goal of that day, you still return to your prepared bed).
For teenagers it’s rather more important to give them tasks like buying anything from a list of groceries. Helping you in cooking and organizing.
4. Gender Equality:
Raising boys with a sense of equality, emphasizing the importance of treating everyone with respect regardless of gender or religion or ethnicity but as a man of a house its their responsibility to provide, establish, set order among family and nurture and upbringing of their children.
So if they are raised RIGHT they will DO RIGHT
5. Communication Skills:
If a father is friendly while raising his boys into responsible gentlemen. There is always a need to develop effective communication skills in boys, enabling them to express themselves clearly and listen empathetically.
Effective communication skills are necessary for personal and professional success, and when a father adopts a friendly approach in raising his boys into responsible gentlemen, the development of these skills becomes even more critical.
Communication is sort of a skill training, which goes beyond the mere exchange of words; it is a foundation for building strong relationships, promoting emotional intelligence, and nurturing personal growth.
6. Coping Skills:
Coping skills in boys are most important for boys’ emotional well-being. Teach them with the mindset that growing and learning is an ongoing process. This mindset, where challenges are viewed as opportunities for learning, instills resilience.
Teaching problem-solving techniques, emphasizing adaptability in the face of setbacks is a predominant element in raising boys into responsible men. Encourage open communication about emotions, validating their feelings and promoting healthy outlets such as sports or art.
By providing a supportive environment and modeling positive coping mechanisms, fathers empower boys to navigate life’s challenges and the confidence to persevere through adversity.
7. Critical Thinking:
Parents should not forget to teach critical thinking skills while raising boys, encouraging them to question, analyze, and make informed decisions. Critical thinking also generates decision making skills, because if they have to make a decision for someone, they should do it right, but that doesn’t mean that they will get themselves humiliated by others if their decision is not favored by someone.
They should be strong enough in their judgment not be manipulated or controlled by anyone. Don’t let anyone feel guilt for something you haven’t done.
INSHORT DON’T BE A PEOPLE PLEASER AND STAND UPRIGHT.
8. Socializing And Community Engagement:
Involving boys in community service cultivates empathy and social responsibility. Interacting with diverse people enhances their social skills, fostering understanding and cooperation.
Encouraging such engagement provides valuable life lessons, shaping boys into compassionate individuals who appreciate the importance of community and collective well-being.
It instills a sense of purpose beyond oneself, promoting a positive impact on society and reinforcing the value of contributing to the welfare of others.
Through community involvement, boys not only build essential social skills but also develop a broader perspective, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and compassionate worldview.
3 thoughts on “Raising Boys into Responsible Men”