5 Lessons Every Father Must Make His Son Learn

As parents, it is our job to ensure that our children learn everything they need from us in order to become functioning adults.

However, for parents of boys, we often find ourselves teaching them lessons that we find important, but won’t help them be the men they need to be.

While this list focuses on what I believe that all men should teach their sons, these lessons could similarly be applied to what all parents should teach their kids.

* Self-discipline

Knowing how to work hard is just as important as working hard. Keeping yourself motivated when things are easy is one thing, but keeping yourself motivated when things are bad is another beast. Regardless of the situation, you must have the willpower to push through. Showing that you can do this will not only motivate those around you, it will make you a stronger man.

* Take responsibility

In short step-up. Men take responsibility for their actions and don’t need others to tell them when or how to do so. Being responsible for one’s choices and actions isn’t always the easiest thing in the world. However, true manhood is being able to admit when they are wrong.

* Choose your battles wisely.

It’s important to know which ones are worth fighting and which ones are better left as is. It’s okay to be quiet and walk away. It doesn’t make you less of a man.

* Be a gentleman

Having old school values is okay. Treating women with respect is even more than okay

* Be honest with yourself and everyone else.

Men who are honest are comfortable in themselves. “An honest man has an honorable manhood, which is something that every man should consider to succeed in life.”

* Humility

Confidence is important but so is being humble. Men have to learn how to balance the two. Being able to do creates a strong and effective leader, which should be the goal for every man.

* Manners

Men (especially fathers) are portrayed as disgusting pigs (ala Al Bundy), but that’s not all men. Manners are important every second of the day, in every situation. Whether you are at home eating at your dinner table or eating in a five-star restaurant. Manners define people, and it separates us in terms of class and sophistication. Having manners and using them, also means that you are showing others around you respect.