👨👦 12 things every father should say to his son
by Joe · 24 things on NewTwos
- I'm proud of you.
- Boys who never hear this from their father will always be seeking approval from the wrong people and the wrong places.
- Get back up.
- A father must let his son fail but be there to encourage him to get back up and try again. Especially if he doesn't want to.
- I'm sorry. Please forgive me.
- If you want your son to own up to his own mistakes, you must show him how to own up to your mistakes.
- I'm disappointed by your actions.
- A father must let his son know when he has fallen short, and he must be clear about why.
- I love you.
- A father cannot assume his son knows this truth unless he speaks it out loud. Constantly. Couple this with plenty of hugs and physical affection.
- You are my son.
- A father must lay claim to his son and let him know he has a place he belongs.
Many boys feel like they belong nowhere and so they wander and look for alternatives outside the home.
- The world is not fair. It owes you nothing.
- A father must teach his son not to expect handouts and to avoid seeking easy wealth.
- Respect your mother.
- A son will eventually outgrow his mother in strength. Before that happens, he must learn to treat her words as a precious.
- Stand with your brothers and sisters.
- They will be there when the father is gone. They are, collectively, the legacy the father leaves behind. A father must teach that a boy's siblings are on the same team. Their successes are his successes, too.
- You are responsible for your actions. No one else.
- A father must let his son experience the consequences of his actions, though the father can help him face those consequences like a man.
- Follow me.
- A father must be the first to take the hill. He must be the example. A son will not attempt hard things unless his father is attempting hard things.
- Sometimes a losing battle is worth fighting because it's the right thing to do.
- A father must avoid pure pragmatism. He must teach his son that courage is its own reward and virtue is never a waste of time.