As a feminist mother to a boy, I believe it’s crucial to raise boys to respect women. This can help prevent harmful gender stereotypes, power imbalances, and violence against women. Moreover, it can also promote a more just and equal society.
Along my parenting journey, I’ve gathered a set of guidelines I believe can help other parents who are looking to instill these values in their sons. Check out my tips for raising boys who respect women.
6 Ways to Raise Boys to Respect Women:
1. Talk about emotions and relationships: Help your son develop emotional intelligence by encouraging him to talk about his feelings. Furthermore, teach him to empathize with others. This can also help prevent the harmful stereotype that men should be tough and unemotional.
2. Avoid toxic masculinity: Secondly, challenge behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes that are associated with traditional stereotypes of masculinity, which often promote aggression, dominance, and suppression of emotions.
3. Teach consent: Additionally, teach boys about consent and teach them to understand the importance of respecting boundaries. Learn more about how to talk to your kids about consent here.
4. Be mindful of the media your child is consuming: Moreover, avoid TV shows, movies, and video games that promote rigid gender roles and stereotypes. Instead, seek out media that features diverse and well-rounded male characters.
5. Encourage a variety of interests: Encourage your son to explore a range of hobbies and interests, even if they don’t fit traditional gender expectations. This can help your child develop a well-rounded sense of self. Moreover, it can prevent them from feeling limited by narrow stereotypes.
6. Encourage critical thinking: Encourage your child to think critically about the gender stereotypes they encounter in the world. Instead, help them develop a healthy skepticism towards harmful ideas about men and women. This can help your child develop a more nuanced and equitable view of gender.
Raising a New Generation
Finally, by promoting equitable values and encouraging critical thinking, we can raise a new generation of boys who reject negative gender stereotypes and create a more inclusive society for all.
Join me on TikTok for more tips and insights on raising respectful and equitable sons. Together, let’s create a world that values and respects individuals of all gender identities.