Parents who are raising boys know all too well they can be a handful at times. You’ve probably had moments when you lost your temper and your blood pressure skyrocketed when dealing with them. It can be challenging, that’s for sure. But it can also be very rewarding when you realized you've helped your son grow into a fine young man.
But how do you do that exactly in today’s culture and society? How do you ensure that your boy grows up courteous and chivalrous? How do you raise a respectful and responsible man?
1. Do not force it.
Kids are wired differently so you cannot impose a hard formula on teaching your child the virtues of kindness, respect, and empathy. He will have to do it at his own time and his own pace. As with other things you’re trying to teach him, consider your child’s personality. Is he shy or on the aggressive side? Tweak your approach based on his personality.
2. The father factor: Ensure he has a good role model.
From his dad to other father figures in the family, your son will learn a lot by just observing how they behave. He will mirror how these role models act around people, so it’s important to surround him with good influence who can show him the correct ways.
3. Train him to be a good listener.
Being a good listener is one way of showing respect for others. Teach him not to interrupt and wait for his turn when others are speaking. Make him realize the value of listening to people and how it makes others feel seen and validated.
4. Eat meals together as a family.
Many people underestimate the value of eating together as a family. This is actually one way of teaching your child basic good manners as well as communication etiquette. Dinner routines, for example, consist of pulling out chairs for women and the elderly, passing the food to other members of the family, and giving everyone equal opportunity to share their stories. These are some of the traits he can bring with him when he dines and socializes with other people.
5. Encourage him to be generous in lending a helping hand.
Did you know that volunteering and holding small initiatives for a cause are lessons on how to be a gentleman? No matter how small the act is, a gentleman is always willing to extend a helping hand—from as simple as holding a door for someone or assisting an old lady in crossing the street.
6. Show him how men should treat women.
Again, model the behavior you want your child to do. Seeing how his father treats his mother teaches him a great deal about how men should respect women. Foster a loving household where everyone respects one another.
7. Teach him to be punctual.
This early, let your son know that arriving late at an appointment is a sign of disrespect to other people’s time. Explain that tardiness can affect other people and let them know the consequences of being late.
8. Help your son develop empathy.
Empathy helps us better understand what others are feeling because of the ability to understand things from their perspective. When your son grows up to be empathetic, he’ll be more compassionate towards others and can build more nurturing relationships.
