Teaching My Son to Shake Hands Like a Man

Jun 251 min read

Been working with my 8 year old on his handshake. His mom thinks I'm being old fashioned but I believe a firm handshake and eye contact says everything about a man's character. Started noticing he was doing that weak fish grip thing with some of my friends and it embarrassed me honestly. Spent 15 minutes last week showing him how to grip properly, look someone in the eye, and give a good firm pump. He nailed it with my dad this weekend. Small thing but it matters. Anyone else teaching their boys this stuff or am I the only dinosaur?

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Comments(9)

AAdam R.RegularJun 27

Old fashioned is just another word for timeless. My dad taught me this when I was about his age and I still think about it every time I shake someone's hand. It's not about being stuck in the past, it's about teaching him to carry himself with confidence.

MMatt B.RegularJun 26

Not old fashioned at all. In a world where half the kids won't even make eye contact, teaching him a firm handshake is actually pretty radical. Plus it's a great bonding thing to practice together.

DDale A.RegularJun 25

Man, you're doing the right thing. My oldest is 10 now and I did the same thing with him. It's not old fashioned, it's about teaching respect and confidence. His mom came around when she saw how it helped him at school.

TTom P.RegularJun 25

I coach little league and I see the difference immediately with kids who have that solid handshake and eye contact. You're teaching him something that'll stick with him his whole life. Keep at it.

MMatt D.RegularJun 25

My son's 7 and we've been working on the same thing during our train time in the living room actually. I think it's a small thing that makes a big difference. Your wife might surprise you when she sees how proud he gets.

AAustinRegularJun 25

This is actually solid parenting. Handshake firmness and eye contact matter in job interviews and business meetings. Your son will thank you when he's older. My dad taught me the same thing and I still remember the lessons.

AAustinRegularJun 26

I respect this approach. Some things don't need to change just because they're traditional. A good handshake and solid eye contact open doors. Keep pushing it with your son.

JJosephNew DadJun 26

Not old fashioned at all. I've been working on this with my daughter too. Kids learn what we teach them about presenting themselves. Firm grip, good eye contact, genuine smile. These things stick with them.

MMikeRegularJun 26

I'm doing the same thing with my 8 year old and honestly it's one of my favorite things we work on together. A good handshake says something. Your kid will thank you later when he walks into a room and knows how to greet someone properly.