17/11/2022
Boys Will Be Men
The title of today's post comes from a bumper sticker I saw.
It is a response to the often-used phrase "boys will be boys," which gets used as an excuse to do nothing about their selfish, overly aggressive, or irresponsible behavior.
The bumper sticker is telling us that the attitudes and behaviors that boys are developing now will determine the kind of men they will become.
What kind of boys do we want to raise?
* Boys who are sensitive and caring.
* Boys who can speak up for their needs but also take into account the needs of others.
* Boys who take pride in contributing to their family and community.
* Boys who are prepared to fight for what is right.
* Boys who honor females and treat them with respect.
These are not radical goals.
But we can't expect to suddenly instill these values and capabilities in them when they reach age eighteen. We need to bring out rearing of boys into line with our values.
What could we do differently?
* Stop telling boys that they can't cry and have feelings. If we don't allow them to be sensitive now, we can't expect them to become sensitive, caring men.
* Increase the physical affection we give to boys-- more hugs, more cuddling, more companionship at bedtime.
* Firmly-- but not meanly-- stop tolerating it when boys disrespect girls, when they order their mothers around, when they hoard food and toys without considering the needs of other kids, when they make messes and leave them for others to clean up, and when they minimize each other's accomplishments instead of celebrating them.
It's not true that boys "just are that way."
The behavior and outlook of boys varies from nation to nation, and from generation to generation, depending on the leadership that adults take.
We need to give boys more love, more exercise, and firmer limits.
Watch how quickly we'll see positive results.
Say to yourself, "Each day is another step toward manhood for my boy."
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Xo,
Kelly