Teaching my son to be a man of his word

2d ago1 min read

My father taught me that your word is your bond and it's a lesson I'm working hard to pass down. My 8 year old promised his sister he'd help her with homework and then wanted to play video games instead. I made him honor that commitment even though he was upset. Later I explained that being a man means doing what you say you're going to do, even when it's inconvenient. That's the foundation of integrity. Too many kids today don't understand that anymore.

9 comments134 views

Comments(9)

TTylerNew Dad21h ago

Keeping promises to your kids might be the single most important thing you do as a parent. They remember every single time you follow through or don't. Your son's lucky to have that example.

DDavid T.New Dad11h ago

This is huge. My son is at that age where he's learning that his word actually matters. Had to have some uncomfortable conversations about it but he gets it now.

CChris R.Regular2d ago

Teaching them young is the way. I've got four and they all learned early that a promise means something. Your 8 year old's going to carry that lesson for life.

TTim B.Regular2d ago

Man, this hits different when you're exhausted at midnight and your toddler wants to negotiate bedtime. But you're right about the word being your bond. That's the stuff they actually remember.

TTyler K.Regular2d ago

That's solid parenting right there. My son's 8 too and I'm learning that consistency is everything when it comes to keeping your word. Kids notice every time you follow through.

KKevin M.New Dad2d ago

How old is your son? I'm starting this with my daughter and wondering at what age they really start to understand the weight of keeping their word.

JJoey M.New Dad2d ago

That lesson sticks with them for life. I'm doing the exact same thing with mine. When you say you're gonna do something, you do it. No excuses.

DDerek M.New Dad1d ago

My dad taught me the same thing and I've been trying to model it for my kids. It's harder than it sounds because sometimes being honest costs you something.

BBen M.New Dad1d ago

Your word being your bond is everything. That's the foundation for everything else. My dad drilled that into me and I'm doing the same with mine. It's maybe the most important thing you can teach.