Taking on the role of a parent often involves questioning and sometimes deconstructing the parenting models we were raised with. It's essential to understand that times change and — whilst some values are timeless — others evolve.
At times, society has unconsciously reinforced harmful stereotypes of masculinity that are detrimental to both girls and boys. It’s therefore important that we empower children to actively contribute to our continuously advancing world in a positive way.
Together, let’s explore 10 practical ways in which we can raise boys who are respectful, responsible, and affectionate.
10 tips to follow when raising your son
Following these ten steps can have a significant impact on your son’s holistic development…
1. Discuss respecting boundaries
It's crucial to teach boys to understand and respect others' physical and personal boundaries from an early age. Discuss responsibility in relationships, caring for others, and prioritising respect above all.
2. Teach the importance of self-care
Teach your son the significance of self-care: healthy eating, physical activity, and regular health check-ups. Listening to and caring for one's body is key to a balanced and happy life.
3. Allow your son to express himself
The themes and activities explored in play should not be dictated by gender. Children are naturally free from judgements and prejudices, so be careful not to enforce a particular sort of play onto them. Allow your son to explore the world according to his own curiosities, role-playing in a range of professional and societal roles.
4. Equally divide household tasks
Participation in domestic chores is an excellent way to instil responsibility and autonomy in our children. Performing this duty benefits all household members and will help your son to feel a sense of community and responsibility. It's important that daily tasks are shared among family members, regardless of gender. Boys and girls use the house equally, and so both should contribute to tidying up the home.
5. Explain that it's ok not to excel at everything
Failure, and not understanding something, are normal parts of life. Teach your son that these moments are learning opportunities and that it's ok not to always be the best. Avoid cultivating a constantly competitive mindset, and show the value in doing one's best while understanding the importance of helping and being helped.
6. Violence is never ok
Discuss the importance of care, respect, honesty, and affection in your child’s relationships. It’s also vital to remind all children and young people that sometimes feelings are not mutual and we should meet these rejections with respect and calm.
7. Surround him with positive role models
Ensure your son has male role models around him. The active participation of a father or father-figure can be helpful for boys to emulate in adulthood. Grandparents, uncles, family friends, and older siblings all have a part to play!
8. Aggression isn't the answer
It's vital to dismantle the notion that masculinity is linked with aggression. Teach your son that being a man isn't about control, strength, or power. Instead, it's about expressing oneself without resorting to physical force or intimidation.
9. Encourage emotional expression
It's normal and necessary to express feelings like fear, pain, or sadness. Teach your son that expressing emotions doesn't make him any less brave or strong. Phrases like "boys don't cry" can lead our sons to repress their emotions, which can negatively impact their relationships and personal wellbeing.
10. Engage in continuous dialogue
Make yourself available to talk, listen, discuss, and reflect with your son. Together, you can share ideas and opinions on the best ways to act, and how to demonstrate respect and empathy. Nurturing boys who grow up to be kind, responsible, secure, and happy men is crucial for the world we want for our children.
Are you the parent of a son? Tell us about how you're educating him to express his feelings and be kind to others!
Encouraging boys to explore arts and crafts: an extra tip!
Encouraging boys to engage in arts and crafts not only boosts their creativity but also helps them develop skills such as time management, organisation, and caring for their materials. It breaks down gender stereotypes, showing that artistic expression is for everyone and can be a powerful tool for emotional and intellectual development.
At toucanBox, our diverse range of crafts are designed to inspire and educate the next generation to be the best that they can be! Visit our shop for more ideas and join our subscription craft club to nurture creativity and critical thinking in your child.
Let's craft a brighter future together!
Written by
The Sandbox team, in collaboration with toucanBox
