My oldest is 9 and I'm starting to really focus on character building. Teaching him to open doors, look people in the eye, keep his word, and treat women with respect. My wife thinks I'm old fashioned but I think these things matter. Standing up straight, handshake that's firm but not crushing, saying yes sir and no ma'am. What else are you guys emphasizing with your boys?
This is solid parenting. My boys are younger but we're big on the character building foundation too. Treating others with respect starts at home and in how you handle everyday interactions with them.
Teaching those things to my two and honestly door opening and eye contact are underrated these days. Your 9 year old is at the perfect age to really absorb it. We try to model that stuff constantly and they absolutely pick up on it.
Teaching respect and manners early is the way. My oldest is picking up on stuff we model way more than what we tell him to do. You hitting the character building at 9 is perfect timing before the teen years hit.
This is great man. Sometimes I wonder if the whole 'gentleman' thing gets lost but honestly it's just about raising respectful humans. The door opening, the listening, the standing up straight - it all matters.
How are you teaching him to handle situations where other people aren't being gentlemen? Like if someone's rude to him or cuts him off? I think that's the part my kid struggles with - staying gracious when others aren't.
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Love this approach. I'm doing the same with my 9yo and it's wild how much he responds to it when you actually make it a priority. The door thing might seem small but he gets this little proud smile every time now.