Raising boys to be gentlemen in 2024 seems impossible

1w ago1 min read

My grandfather was the kind of man who stood up when a lady entered the room, said yes sir and no sir, opened doors, all that. He was respectful but strong. My oldest is 14 and I want him to have that same foundation but everything in the world is telling him that's uncool or outdated. I'm not trying to raise some Victorian kid but there's something about teaching him to have respect, integrity, and real confidence that seems lost. Anyone else trying to pass down that old school stuff or am I just being a boomer?

10 comments196 views

Comments(10)

AAlexRegular1w ago

I get what you're saying about the old school values but honestly it's not impossible, just different. I'm teaching my boys that being a gentleman now means respecting boundaries, listening when people talk, and treating everyone with actual kindness. That checks out in 2024 if you ask me.

BBenNew Dad1w ago

My kids are still young but I'm already thinking about this. I don't want them to be rigid about it, but there's something to teaching them that how you treat people matters. Manners and respect never go out of style, right?

BBradRegular1w ago

I don't think it's impossible, just different. My kids understand respect and kindness which I think matters more than the yes sir no sir stuff. What specific things are you trying to teach them?

MMarcusNew Dad1w ago

Raising good boys is definitely harder now with all the outside noise and tech stuff pulling them in different directions. But the fundamentals from your grandfather's generation still hold weight. It's just about adapting them.

LLance K.Regular1w ago

Raising gentlemen is totally possible but it looks different now. My boys know to be respectful and stand up for others without the rigid formality your grandfather had. That's the modern gentleman.

RRob H.Regular1w ago

My grandfather also believed in hard work and integrity. Those still matter in 2024. You don't need the formality but the foundation is solid.

NNate B.Regular1w ago

The core values are still there though. Teaching them to respect women, look someone in the eye, and treat people right. That transcends eras.

DDannyRegular1w ago

My son's five and we're already working on the basics of treating people right. I think the core stuff your grandfather knew still matters. Yes sir, no sir, please and thank you will never go out of style.

VVincentRegular1w ago

The standing up thing might feel old fashioned, but teaching them to be considerate and treat women as equals? That's the real gentleman move for 2024. Focus on the values underneath the old customs.

-1

LLucasRegular1w ago

I hear you on this. I think the key is adapting the principles rather than the exact customs. My son knows to respect people, listen when others are talking, and help when someone needs it. Those feel like modern gentleman traits to me, even if he's not doing the whole standing up thing.