Teaching My Son to Shake a Man's Hand Properly

3w ago1 min read

My boy is 12 now and I realized I never actually taught him how to give a proper handshake. You know, the kind where you look a man in the eye, grip firm but not crushing, and hold it for a second or two. We practiced this morning before he went to school and it felt like such a small thing but also really important. My dad taught me this when I was about his age and I remember thinking it was the coolest lesson ever. Anyway wanted to share because I think we've lost a lot of these basic courtesies and I'm trying to bring them back in my own family.

6 comments222 views

Comments(6)

CChris M.Regular2w ago

My oldest is 14 and I did the same thing last year. He was embarrassed at first but then started actually practicing it. Now he does the whole thing - the eye contact, the smile, the works. He's proud of it.

JJosh M.Regular2w ago

This is such a gentleman-dad move. My boy is only 8 but I'm definitely doing this when he's older. What else are you planning to teach him about that formal stuff?

KKyle M.Regular2w ago

Good call on this. With four kids I'm constantly realizing there are these little life skills I just haven't thought to teach them yet. Handshake, eye contact, how to introduce yourself properly - it all adds up.

LLucasRegular3w ago

Good move getting ahead of this. At 12 he's at that age where he might have to shake hands with coaches, teachers, relatives. Firm grip, eye contact, quick pump. Nothing bone-crushing though, that's overcompensating.

JJosh M.Regular3w ago

12 is a perfect age to start with the handshake thing. My boy is 13 and I realize I never explicitly taught him either. Strong grip, eye contact, and a quick pump - that's really all it takes right? How'd the lesson go?

PParkerNew Dad3w ago

This matters more than people think. A good handshake sets the tone for how people perceive you. Glad you're teaching him early. My dad taught me at around that age and I still remember the lesson.