• calendar_month January 9, 2023

3 Tips for Raising Boys

Are you trying to raise boys? As a mother of two boys, I recommend these three important parenting tips. I am writing about raising boys based on my experience, but I would assume these same values may apply when raising daughters as well. A manual on how to raise kids does not exist. As parents we learn as we go and can only share our experiences and efforts.

Parenting two sons, my desire was to raise them right – to have great manners, be honest and be loving individuals. I found it to be very important to lay the foundation of good character in my boys at an early age. There are obviously lots of other tips on how to raise boys. However; in my opinion, these are the 3 most important parenting tips I recommend.

Tip #1: Manners

I was waiting in line at Trader Joes on Saturday and the man in front of me never said a word of thanks to the hard-working cashier; just grabbed his bag of groceries and left without so much as a smile. I noticed the simple act of saying “Thank you” and/or “please,” seem to be used less frequently or forgotten now days. Modeling and using the word “manners” has helped to sink in my boy’s minds and behavior as they’re getting older. I felt strongly about reinforcing and reminding the boys of proper etiquette and I feel it should be taught continuously because it’s an effective way of parenting. For example, when a child begins to learn the word “please,” as a parent you have the child repeat the word every time, they receive the book or any item they have requested. This continuous teaching helps them understand how they should behave.   

Tip#2: Honesty

I’ve learned that being honest with my sons, they not only repay me with the same honesty, but extend the same courtesy to one another and other people as a whole. It’s just one reason that I’ve been honest with my boys since day one. Every time the boys displayed honesty, I’d acknowledge them and showed my appreciation. Having the boys learn that it was equally important for them to be honest with themselves too has helped them become trustworthy individuals.

Tip #3: Love

 Love is such a small word but to a mother and her two sons, love is everything. I became aware that love needs to be written, expressed and demonstrated every day because it is “the universal language” necessary when raising boys right. For example, giving my boys hugs and kisses every day shows them how much they are loved and cared for. They can receive love and give love to others.  

It is not easy being a parent. Now, I believe there’s a big difference between guiding a child and militantly forcing a child into a mold. I strive to teach my children fundamental values important to my family and me while still allowing them plenty of space to grow into their own unique person. All parents can do is watch their children grow and support them. And we need to remember that kids take after their parents. Therefore, parents themselves should live by example because kids tend to grow up a lot like us.

Make sure to check back here regularly for more parenting tips from this proud mama.