Imagine a parent saying that we have raised our son just like our daughter. Sounds weird, right? Whereas vice versa is quite common. Even studies suggest that parenting style often varies with the child’s gender. While a lot of teaching remains common for both girls and boys, like being kind, humble, caring, working hard towards goals, and the list goes on; there are some specific checklists reserved for boys that are less touched and stressed upon. But a slight emphasis on these reserved checklists can become a game-changer. Here are five things to teach your boys.
1. Get over gender stereotypes.
It’s important to teach your boys about colours beyond blue and pink. Make him realize that there is no such pre-allotted colour, toys, professions, designations, etc., and everyone has the liberty to choose whatever they like. Ask them to participate in all small and big household chores, be it in the kitchen or garden, and teach them that such roles associated with gender are interchangeable. The most challenging part is to understand this as a parent and then reinforce the same in your sons.
2. Teach things beyond the school curriculum.
Almost every child undergoes the same syllabus; still, they all turn out to be individuals who are poles apart. This is because parents play a vital role in shaping them. These include equipping your sons with basic survival skills like cooking, first aid, self-defense, etc. that are generally not taught in schools. Even today, schools fail to provide proper sex education. Be the torch bearer and break down the stigma and complexity attached to such topics.
3. Shed off the toxic masculinity tag.
As humans, boys too feel the same amount of pain, trauma, and anxiety. Don’t let societal inhibitions of manliness rob his real identity. Teach your boys that it is okay to feel weak, vulnerable, sensitive and ask for help whenever required without being judgemental about themselves. Make him strong enough to cry out without the fear of existential crises. Make yourself approachable when he finds the need to express himself.
Recommended reading: Don’t Restrict Your Son’s Emotions
4. Discard the feeling of superiority.
Both intentionally and unintentionally, we make our boys conscious that they belong to a superior gender. This gets followed by a feeling of authority and how they can have control and power over another gender. This needs to be stopped. Teach your boys that everyone deserves the same respect and dignity, and they all need to live in harmony.
5. Be a positive role model.
Kids mirror effortlessly. Thus, it becomes pivotal to provide them with a role model that will inspire them and help them learn about the importance of failures, success, independence, responsibilities, and an overall good social being. Make sure that the role model is not a fictional character and someone that your son can see and meet if it’s not you. He needs to believe that such people do exist in real life.
These things might sound trivial, but critical impact the overall development of your boy. It is important to consciously make an effort to teach your sons about these through practical application in real life, rather than theoretical lectures. Focusing on these points can help make your son’s journey of life smooth.
