Raising Men: Strength, Sensitivity & Support

Encourage your son to name his feelings, not bury them. Ask open-ended questions like, “How did that make you feel?” or “What do you need right now?” Helping him find words for emotions will give him tools to handle stress, conflict, and relationships later in life.

Boys thrive when they know where the lines are—and when those boundaries are paired with care. Clear expectations around respect, responsibility, and consequences teach accountability while also showing that discipline comes from love, not anger.

Challenge the idea that being a man means shutting down or “going it alone.” Highlight examples of men— whether in your family, community, or even from history and culture—who combine strength with compassion. Let your son see that courage can look like asking for help, standing up for others, or choosing peace instead of fighting.