Raising a boy requires different parenting methods than raising a girl. As psychologist Steve Biddulph points out, a boy needs a different type of mentor than a girl. Here are some tips for parenting a boy. Educate him to use proper words to describe his problems. Encourage him to listen to other people's feelings. It is important to let him know that he is not alone. And remember that there is a right way and a wrong way to handle situations.
Male mentors are needed for parenting a boy
As a parent, it is crucial to identify the primary needs of your son. Boys go to extreme lengths to attract the attention of their father, and can become quite ill if he is away for extended periods. You should avoid separating yourself from your son at this stage, and seek out good male mentors. You should be aware of your child's primary needs, as well as those of his peers, and strive to be a positive role model for your son.
A mentor's job is to reflect back positive aspects of life, instead of offering unsolicited advice. A mentor supports the boy to own his feelings, instead of intellectualizing them. A mentor also does not offer solutions to his problems. The boy must be able to talk about his concerns without being judgmental or threatening. He should feel comfortable with sharing his feelings with a mentor who shares his values and honors his emotions, even when these feelings may be uncomfortable.
Encourage him to talk about his feelings
If you'd like your son to open up to you about his feelings, you can start by trying to understand his point of view. Avoid eye contact and use casual language. This can help him open up more easily. And if he has an issue to talk about, try approaching the subject in a playful and casual manner. Your son may be more comfortable discussing his feelings with someone he doesn't know.
The key to empathic listening is to acknowledge that you understand your child's feelings. You don't have to agree with them - you can disagree with them if that's what makes them more complicated. Often, a child just needs to talk out his feelings before he can move on. Once he does, his feelings will eventually dissipate on their own.
Teach him to be sensitive to others' feelings
Raising a sensitive boy begins with a shift in mindset. While 20 percent of the population is highly sensitive, society does not view this as a strength. However, sensitivity has many hidden benefits, including empathy and intuitive thinking. Here's how to raise a sensitive boy. By embracing his natural sensitivity and helping him accept and celebrate other people's feelings, you'll set the foundation for your boy's future.
In order to help your boy understand that he is sensitive to other people's feelings, make sure he expresses his emotions appropriately. Holding in feelings is destructive and can lead to anger, which is the only emotion acceptable in the "boy code." If this emotion is not addressed, it can cause serious problems in adulthood. Teach your boy to be sensitive to others' feelings by developing effective communication skills. For sensitive boys, one-on-one interaction is preferable.
