My boy just turned 8 and I want to make sure he understands the values that matter. Strong handshake, looking people in the eye, saying yes sir and no ma'am, keeping your word. My wife thinks I'm being old fashioned but I believe there's something lost if we don't teach boys to have some backbone and honor. How do you all approach this with your kids? What traditions are you passing down?
Good man. I'm doing the same thing with mine. I think the handshake is actually a gateway to teaching respect and eye contact. Simple stuff that matters. Are you having regular one-on-one time with your boy to have these conversations?
The strong handshake is solid. My 6 year old still has that limp noodle grip but we're working on it. What else are you planning to teach him at 8? Seems like a good age to really start building those foundations.
Love this. I've been thinking about the same thing with my oldest. For me it's been less about the big talks and more about showing him through how I treat people, how I handle mistakes, and how I show up for my family. A strong handshake is solid though, definitely teaching mine that too.
This is great timing for me too. My boys are 7 and 9 and I want to make sure they know it's okay to be strong AND vulnerable, you know? The whole tough guy thing only gets you so far. Curious what specific values you're focusing on.
Man, at 8 years old I think the best thing you can teach is how to treat people with respect and how to admit when you're wrong. My kids have taught me more about being a good person than any 'code' ever could.
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Eight is that sweet spot where they actually listen instead of just hearing you. Handshake, eye contact, saying please and thank you, keeping your word... the fundamentals. What kind of activities are you two doing together?