My boy is turning 12 and I realized he still does that weak dead fish grip thing. Sat him down and taught him the proper way: firm grip, eye contact, brief pump, genuine smile. We practiced with each other about a dozen times. A man's handshake is everything. It's one of the first things people judge you on and it shows respect. Figured now was the time before he starts meeting people that matter.
This is huge. A firm handshake makes such a difference at that age. I did the same thing with mine around the same time. Now when he meets adults he's got real confidence about it.
12 is exactly the right age for this stuff. These little things add up and they actually matter when he's older meeting coaches, teachers, or potential employers. Good call.
The dead fish handshake is real and it drives me crazy! I did the same thing with my oldest at that age. Took about a week of reminders but he got it. Firm grip, eye contact, and a smile goes a long way.
My boy is 11 and same issue. Did you have to practice with him multiple times or did one talk do it?
Parents don't talk about this stuff enough but it really does matter. At 12 he's hitting an age where people are going to notice and judge. Glad you're covering the basics.
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I love this. Those small life skills matter way more than we realize. The dead fish grip makes such a bad first impression. Good on you for teaching him early.