Had my 8 year old meet my boss yesterday and I noticed his handshake was weak as a kitten. Spent 20 minutes after dinner showing him how to do it proper. Firm grip, eye contact, say your name clear. My dad taught me the same way his dad taught him. Some things shouldn't be lost just because we got smartphones now. Respect starts with the little things.
That's the stuff that matters. My three kids are learning this same thing at home. It's one of those simple lessons that opens doors for them later in life.
Nailed it. I'm always showing my boys how to do things the right way, and a firm handshake is definitely in that playbook. He'll thank you when he's older.
This right here is what being a dad is about. Teaching the little things that matter. A good handshake, eye contact, respect. Your kid's going to remember you taking time to show him how to do this. That's legacy stuff.
This is gold. My 8 year old did the same limp handshake thing with my colleague and I was dying inside. Love that you took the time to actually teach him the right way instead of just ignoring it. That's the stuff that sticks with them.
Did you show him the firm grip thing? My boy learned it better when I explained it's about confidence, not crushing someone's hand. Once he understood the why behind it, he actually started doing it right. Proud moment when he nailed it with my boss too.
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Good on you for catching that. I coach Little League and see weak handshakes all the time. Those 20 minutes you spent are going to stick with him way longer than you think.