Are you ready for the challenge of raising your boy over the years to come? Here are seven essential principles to explore and embrace.
Principle 1:
Don’t try to eliminate a boy’s naturally aggressive and excitable behavior; celebrate and shape and civilize it.
Principle 2:
To prevent the “Wounded Spirit” syndrome in a boy, deal decisively with bullies, reduce exposure to media violence, and watch for signs of depression, withdrawal or lethargy.
Principle 3:
Stay close to your boy both emotionally and as a vigilant guide; convey rules in the context of a loving relationship.
Principle 4:
To help a boy develop a healthy gender identity, make sure he receives appropriate affection, attention and approval from his father (or, in the father’s absence, a trustworthy male role model).
Principle 5:
Spend both quantity and quality time with your boy, even if it means changing your lifestyle to make that time available.
Principle 6:
Counteract the effects of male-bashing in our culture by affirming a boy’s masculinity and his value as a person.
Principle 7:
Make your boy’s relationship with God the first priority as you raise him.
