Sexual assault or rape is one of the most serious crimes in our society. Males are usually the offenders and females are usually the victims.
It is therefore very important that children learn to respect women. Modern Mom and CARE shared some valuable tips on how to raise a gentleman.
1. Start early.
Parents should start teaching their kids good manners and right conduct during their toddler years. Having a strong foundation early on will make it easier for parents to teach more complex and nuanced manners and virtues when kids grow older. Teaching them how and when to say "thank you", "excuse me" and "please" can make a big difference in the long run.
2. Promote compassion and empathy.
Without these virtues, a man cannot respect himself and other people. Teach your son to never bully, how to properly fight bullies and how to defend others from bullies.
3. Teach the value of listening to others.
"Teach boys to make an effort to listen, because other people's thoughts really do matter," Skills for Living center director Katy Shamitz told CARE. "For the past 10 years, there's been a culture of celebrating yourself. Learning that it's not all about you is a dying art. Kids show caring by lending an ear."
4. Encourage proper social skills.
Socialization is an important part of a person's life. Make sure that your son knows how to properly greet, smile and converse with other people. Parents should also teach kids about the importance of eye contact.
5. Emphasize the value of giving space and privacy to others.
Modern Mom shared some of the lessons that parents need to teach their sons. "When someone tells you no, they mean they do not want whatever it is you are offering, so back off!," Modern Mom shared. "Abuse of any kind is a sign of weakness. Real men do not need to build themselves up by making another person feel weak."
Knowing how to raise a gentleman is important for the child's future and for the safety and security of the society. Share more tips on how to teach boys proper manners by posting in the comments section below.
