How do I raise my son to be a real man?
The moment you look into the eyes of your newborn son, you realize that every idea you have for his future depends on what you do from that moment on.
You probably constantly wonder if you can help him become a compassionate man withself-confidence.and responsible. In this section, we’ll explore the secrets to successful parenting from the Family Plus section ofSelMagz.We will provide advice on how to turn your little boy into a real man.
1. Help him manage his emotions.
Being strong, quiet, and tough may be appealing in a movie, but in real life it isn’t the same. Good and healthy people know how to deal with their emotions.
Psychologists believe that many traits we associate with a strong man are actually suppressive. For example, when your son is upset and you tell him not to be sad, you teach him to hide his feelings. Psychologists also believe that parents pay more attention to the feelings of their daughters than their sons, and in difficult times, girls have more freedom to express their emotions compared to boys, who often feelnegative emotions.As a result, they become men who struggle to communicate effectively with others.
Here’s what you can do:
Encourage him to express his feelings:
For instance, if your child seems upset after school, ask him why he looks sad. Let him know you are there to help him with his problems. He might say school is boring, and you can agree that yes, sometimes school is boring. This way, he will understand that during tough and sad times, you are there for him and he won’t be alone.
Help him find suitable solutions:
Psychologists say boys tend to focus on the issue rather than the emotions. Therefore, it’s up to parents to teach their children that negative feelings, sadness,anger,and fear are not permanent and that problems will pass soon.
2. Teach empathy.
The ability to understand the feelings of others helps boys become better friends and eventually good partners and fathers.
Psychologists believe empathy is a valuable social skill that helps you understand others’ emotions and avoid hurtful actions towards them. This is one of the best ethical skills you can teach your child.
Studies show today’s children have 40% less empathy compared to children 20 years ago, potentially due to the rise of violent video games and social media.
Here’s what you can do:
Encourage your child to engage in activities they enjoy. For example, if he likes soccer, support him in playing the sport, as this will teach him to consider others’ feelings and put himself in their shoes, helping him manage various emotional situations.
Encourage him to read novels:
Studies show that people who read more novels have higher empathy levels. Researchers believe that reading helps people use parts of their brain to understand the emotions of different characters, thus improving their ability to understand the feelings of those around them.
3. Boost self-esteem.
Just look at men who are highly admired; you’ll quickly see that one common trait is self-esteem.
Self-esteem means having confidence in one’s abilities and worth, which is something every parent wants for their child.
Here’s what you can do:
Avoid giving false praise:
It’s wrong to say “You’re the smartest boy in the world” or “You’re the best basketball player.” Psychologists advise parents to praise their child’s efforts rather than their talents. Studies have shown that when teenagers exert effort in completing tasks and responsibilities, they feel more capable of facing challenges to achieve their goals.
Avoid labeling him:
Never say “You’re a boy, and boys should act this way.” Such statements can lead your child to feel like they have no control over their actions.
Psychologists believe the messages children receive from their parents play a crucial role in developing their self-esteem. Kids believe what their parents tell them, which can diminish their self-esteem.
4. Respect others.
A boy who learns to listen to older people, follow rules, and interact compassionately understands how to respect others, and this is a responsibility for parents.
Here’s what you can do:
Set and enforce rules:
If your child breaks a rule, remind them of the consequences, teaching them that they must accept the results of their mistakes. Otherwise, your son might become uninspired, corrupt, and problematic.
As mentioned in SelMagz, when your child has a problem with someone older, like a teacher or coach, first listen to both sides, then ask your child to inform you in case of a repeat incident and to refrain from being disrespectful. This method reinforces respect for others while also enhancing your child’s problem-solving skills.
5. Express emotions.Boys usually love hugs and kisses from their mothers in childhood, but as they grow older, they become less interested in showing emotions. Psychologists consider this a natural part of development; boys seek independence during adolescence, creating some distance from their mothers. It’s essential for parents to find and apply suitable ways to express affection towards their children.
Here’s what you can do:
Choose a suitable time to express your feelings to your child. For example, before your child goes to bed is a good moment for hugs and kisses.
Boys, even if they seem otherwise, still need their mother’s affection and enjoy it. The idea that only girls require parental affection is a misconception, but this affection shouldn’t be shown in public as it may embarrass your son.
6. Foster responsibility.
Assign age-appropriate responsibilities like helping set the breakfast table or tying shoelaces to enhance a sense of responsibility in your child.
7. Provide a suitable environment for physical activities.
Boys typically have more physical energy than girls and a strong desire to
run.and move around. Parents shouldn’t prevent their children from such activities; instead, they should ensure a suitable environment for their physical activities, while also reminding them to be calm in places like the classroom.8. Give him opportunities to enhance social skills.
Most boys don’t communicate as easily with their peers as girls do. Boys often seek to lead others. Help your child connect with same-age kids, teaching him to share toys and encouraging him to play with others.
9. Make music a part of his life.
Practicing an instrument can give your child a sense of achievement. Studies have shown music education boosts young children’s thinking skills and improves their memory.
If group activities interest your child, joining musical groups will be fun for him. It’s also a good idea to take him to concerts or musical theater if he’s interested.
10. Encourage his interests.
If your son is interested in activities that aren’t typically masculine, encourage him to pursue them and stand up against any teasing due to his differences, boosting his confidence.
11. Pay attention to your son’s school.
Regularly communicate with your son’s teacher to know about his strengths and weaknesses in class. This way, you can focus on these weaknesses at home.
12. Don’t worry if he doesn’t act very masculine.
If your son shows a lot of affection and loves to give hugs, these traits will help him develop skills that will be very useful in adulthood, so never worry.
Some fatherly actions for
raising a son.When it comes to raising boys, fathers have a distinct advantage over mothers. Psychologists state that while a mother can help her son become a good man, a father can teach his son the true meaning of being a good man. Here, we will discuss three important things fathers should do for better parenting.
Be present with them:
This might sound simple, but having a father who spends quality time with his child sends a strong message: “My dad loves me, enjoys being with me, and is always there when I need him.” This creates a sense of security in the child.
Treat women well:
One of the ways a boy learns how to interact and behave correctly with women is by observing how his father treats them. It’s crucial for fathers to apologize when needed and engage with women, especially during disagreements, with respect.
Physical play:
Research indicates that engaging in exciting physical games like wrestling between fathers and sons teaches boys to manage their physical and emotional drives, and physical contact between fathers and sons creates an incredible feeling for boys.
Parenting approaches.
