Teaching My Boys How to Be Good Men

May 101 min read

My father never taught me much about being a man. He was around but not really present in that way. So when my oldest turned 12 I made it a point to start teaching him the things nobody taught me. How to shake a mans hand properly. How to look someone in the eye. How to take responsibility when you mess up instead of making excuses.

We do a lot of our talking in the truck or working on something in the garage. I tell him that being a gentleman means being strong enough to be kind. Strong enough to admit when youre wrong. Strong enough to take care of the people who depend on you. We're reading some books together about leadership and honor.

My boys are still young but I see it taking. My 12 year old helped an older lady with her groceries the other day without me asking. That's the kind of man I want him to be.

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Comments(6)

DDanielRegularMay 11

Your father being present but not really present hits different. I'm making sure I'm not just there but actually showing my kids how to treat people with respect. Sounds like you're doing the same.

MMarkRegularMay 11

This resonates. Being intentional about raising good men instead of just hoping it happens naturally. That's the difference maker.

JJerome S.RegularMay 10

Every Saturday I'm at the sideline yelling myself hoarse watching my kids play, and moments like what you're describing with your oldest are why it matters. You're doing the work your dad didn't.

TThomas H.RegularMay 10

This is real man. I didn't have that from my dad either so I'm trying to do the same with my boys. At 12 they're at that age where they actually listen. Good on you for breaking the cycle.

BBrandonNew DadMay 10

This is powerful stuff. I'm trying to do the same with my daughter after my dad was pretty distant too. It's like we're breaking a cycle. What specific things are you teaching them that you wish your dad had taught you?

DDerek S.RegularMay 10

How old are your boys right now? I'm trying to figure out when to start having these conversations with mine.