Lefty Rankin
Emerald
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2023
- Posts
- 31,264
- Reputation
- 38,168
If you have a son, you probably already think about how to raise him to be hard-working, respectful, and strong. However, you might not have thought about how important it is to raise him to be a feminist. Although the word “feminist” can be loaded, at its heart, the movement is just about respecting both men and women equally. Even if your son is as rough-and-tumble as they come, you can instill these values in him in a few simple ways!
1. Teach him to express his emotions.
As early as possible, use words to describe what you think he’s feeling, like angry, sad, frustrated, happy, and excited. Encourage him to use those words once he’s able to talk. Being able to associate specific words with what he’s experiencing will help him have better control over his emotions, and more empathy as he learns to recognize those emotions in others.
Boys are often taught that showing emotion is a sign of weakness. Teach him instead that being vulnerable around people you trust takes a lot of courage and strength.
If you teach your son to be empathetic, he’ll be less likely to dismiss the feelings of women, both individually and on a larger scale.
2. Don't push your son toward activities that are traditionally masculine.
Instead, of telling your son he should do something because "that's what boys do," see what he’s interested in, and encourage him to pursue hobbies or activities that help develop his unique talents. That might be dancing, cooking, or drawing, or it might be splashing in the mud, playing sports, and climbing trees. Just let him be himself!
If you live in a two-parent household, have both parents take turns helping with the chores, yard work, and cooking, and expect him to help out around the house as well. He’ll internalize the message early on that everyone should pitch in equally.
If it’s possible, have both parents contribute to the household finances. Children who see both parents working, even if it’s just part-time, are more likely to view both genders as equal.
If you are a single parent, he already sees you taking on both the breadwinner and household roles, but you can still emphasize this by asking him to help you with the chores.
@Dejean
1. Teach him to express his emotions.
As early as possible, use words to describe what you think he’s feeling, like angry, sad, frustrated, happy, and excited. Encourage him to use those words once he’s able to talk. Being able to associate specific words with what he’s experiencing will help him have better control over his emotions, and more empathy as he learns to recognize those emotions in others.
Boys are often taught that showing emotion is a sign of weakness. Teach him instead that being vulnerable around people you trust takes a lot of courage and strength.
If you teach your son to be empathetic, he’ll be less likely to dismiss the feelings of women, both individually and on a larger scale.
2. Don't push your son toward activities that are traditionally masculine.
Instead, of telling your son he should do something because "that's what boys do," see what he’s interested in, and encourage him to pursue hobbies or activities that help develop his unique talents. That might be dancing, cooking, or drawing, or it might be splashing in the mud, playing sports, and climbing trees. Just let him be himself!
- Pushing your son into masculine activities teaches him that there are defined roles for both men and women.
- Make sure he knows girls can pursue the same things he’s interested in, too.
- Encourage him to read in his free time. Reading books with strong female protagonists will teach him that he can identify with females and see them as the heroes of their own stories. Some examples of great books with female leads include Matilda, Harriet the Spy, and The Paper Bag Princess.
If you live in a two-parent household, have both parents take turns helping with the chores, yard work, and cooking, and expect him to help out around the house as well. He’ll internalize the message early on that everyone should pitch in equally.
If it’s possible, have both parents contribute to the household finances. Children who see both parents working, even if it’s just part-time, are more likely to view both genders as equal.
If you are a single parent, he already sees you taking on both the breadwinner and household roles, but you can still emphasize this by asking him to help you with the chores.
@Dejean
