Teaching my son to be a man in 2024

9h ago1 min read

Had a conversation with my 14 year old about respect, work ethic, and standing up for what's right. He's getting into that age where peer pressure is real and I want him to know that being a man means doing the hard thing even when it's unpopular. Not trying to be his friend, I'm his father. Set boundaries, hold him accountable, and show him through example. Anyone else intentionally raising their boys differently than how culture wants them to act?

9 comments87 views

Comments(9)

MMasonNew Dadjust now

Standing up for what's right is the one that seems to get lost sometimes. Good on you for bringing that into the conversation with him explicitly.

CChris M.New Dad9h ago

That's huge at 14. Peer pressure gets real at that age and it sounds like he's got a solid foundation from you. Keep having those conversations, they stick with them.

TTony M.Regular8h ago

This is the stuff that matters. Teaching him respect and work ethic now sets him up for life. You're doing the real work as a dad right here.

JJake M.Regular8h ago

Love this. Those talks about doing what's right, even when it's hard, are what guide kids through their toughest years. You're nailing it.

DDanielRegularjust now

At 14 he's at the perfect age to actually hear this stuff and not just tune you out. Those three things you mentioned are the foundation for pretty much everything else.

TTravisNew Dadjust now

Love this. Standing up for what's right is something they really need to hear explicitly in 2024 with all the peer pressure and social media noise. Those conversations stick with them more than you'd think.

JJoeRegularjust now

This is so good. That age is crucial for actually hearing what you're saying too. They're not little kids anymore but not totally checked out like they'll be at 16. Sounds like you nailed the conversation.

RRyan M.New Dadjust now

Respect and work ethic are timeless. My oldest is heading that direction and I've been thinking about how to have these exact talks without sounding preachy. Did your son actually engage or was it the typical 14-year-old grunt response?

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SSteveRegularjust now

These conversations at 14 are everything. That's when they're still listening but starting to figure out who they want to be. The respect and work ethic piece especially. What was his reaction?