Health & Life

3 Don’ts and 3 Do’s of Raising a Son

Parenting and raising well-rounded children is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor for any parent. Get it right with these three 'don'ts' and three 'dos' when it comes to raising boys.

Administrator

11 July, 2024

Parents often have high expectations for their sons, wishing for them to be brilliant, well-behaved, and to have the best life possible. However, sometimes incorrect parenting methods can make sons feel restricted and lose their freedom.

Below are 3 don’ts and 3 do’s when it comes to raising sons that parents should know. Let’s explore!

13 Don’ts of Raising Sons

Don’t Force Your Son to Always Be Strong

Many parents want their sons to be bold and not cry, believing that these behaviors are signs of weakness only meant for girls. Due to this perception, parents often force their sons to be strong at all times and not to cry no matter what happens.

This perception can create emotional distance between sons and parents as the child’s feelings are not empathized with or understood. Gradually, the son may become cold, indifferent, and reluctant to share his feelings.

Whether a boy or a girl, all children can experience the same sadness and fear and may cry when they are upset. A boy’s tears are not a sign of weakness but rather a way for him to release his negative emotions and feelings.

Don’t Force Your Son to Be Strong

Don’t Spoil Your Son

In contrast to strict parenting, some parents may spoil their sons, even favoring them over other children in the family. This can easily lead to the child becoming dependent on his parents and unable to develop the necessary social skills and independence.

Parents won’t always be around, so it’s important not to spoil your son and instead teach him how to be independent.

Don’t Spoil Your Son

Don’t Overcontrol Your Son

Some parents overly control their sons, such as forcing them to study according to a strict schedule, leaving little time for play or personal interests. Additionally, some parents make decisions for their sons without considering their preferences or desires.

This can lead to low self-esteem and a reluctance to express opinions in their sons, as well as the development of negative emotions.

23 Do’s of Raising Sons

Encourage Your Son’s Efforts

When assigning tasks to your son, don’t just focus on the outcome but also appreciate and acknowledge his efforts and hard work. This will make him feel valued and motivated to do better next time.

Parents can also guide and support their sons by working alongside them, boosting their confidence and encouraging them to strive for improvement.

Encourage Your Son’s Efforts

Teach Your Son About Gratitude

Teaching your son about gratitude is essential for developing his sense of responsibility, morality, and respect for others.

Parents should lead by example, encouraging their sons to express gratitude and offer help to others when needed.

Spend More Quality Time with Your Son

All children need their parents’ attention and care as they grow up. Therefore, parents should make an effort to spend more time with their sons, getting to know them better, which will also make parenting easier.

Spend More Quality Time with Your Son

The above are the 3 don’ts and 3 do’s of raising sons that we want to share with parents of young boys. We hope that this information will help mothers and fathers better understand how to care for and educate their sons!

Frequently asked questions

The three ‘don’ts’ are: Don’t force your son to be ‘tough’ and suppress his emotions; don’t let him develop a sense of entitlement; and don’t neglect teaching him about consent and respecting boundaries.

The three ‘dos’ are: Teach your son to express his emotions healthily; encourage him to contribute to household chores and understand the value of teamwork; and educate him about consent, respect, and healthy relationships.

Forcing boys to suppress their emotions can lead to mental health issues and difficulty forming healthy relationships. It’s important to teach them that expressing emotions is a sign of strength and encourages them to develop emotional intelligence and resilience.

Parents should encourage their sons to contribute to household chores and understand that everyone has a role to play in the family. This teaches them the value of teamwork and that privileges must be earned through contribution.

Teaching sons about consent and boundaries is essential to prevent harmful behaviors and promote healthy relationships. It helps them understand the importance of respecting others’ autonomy and personal space, which contributes to a more respectful and equitable society.