Boys are frequently raised to embody strength, self-reliance, and stoicism, discouraging the any emotions of vulnerability. These societal norms reinforce the belief that seeking assistance or sharing emotions is a weakness. This can cause concealment of true feelings. These gender stereotypes restrict men’s potential. To change the dynamic for future generations, here are five ways from the experts at Motherly.com that parents can employ to nurture positive masculinity for those born with the XY chromosome.
Teach boys to embrace emotion.
By embracing emotions, boys can cultivate a greater sense of empathy, nurturing kindness, compassion, and stronger connections which will benefit not only themselves, but their relationships with others.
Teach boys how to cultivate strength.
Strength does not have to always be physical. Although working out is important, teach boys how to cultivate and strengthen traditional inner qualities such as determination, perseverance, self-confidence, and overcoming challenges ahead of putting physically strength at the forefront.
Teach boys how to break stereotypes.
Encourage them to challenge and not accept or go along with societal expectations and norms. Teach boys that adhering to what what everyone else thinks and believes isn’t what it means to be a boy or a man. Help them develop interests and/or behaviors that are free from what society thinks that they should do. If they want to grow up to be a “manny,” (male nanny), a male nurse instead of a doctor, a baker, so on and so forth, encourage them to follow their dreams regardless.
Teach boys gentle resilience.
Resilience does not have to always have to mean that boys respond to setbacks and adversity in a gruff and harsh manner. Teach them that yes, there will be setbacks and adversity in life, but they can be met with compassion, calmness, and gentility.
Teach boys how to be respectful.
Teaching boys to be respectful will blossom into them becoming respectful adults. Respect for themselves and others is germaine to ensuring that a young man grows emotionally. According to the experts, “This is the most obvious, yet arguably the most overlooked and most powerful trait in a man.”
Adding these tips to your parenting toolbox will unquestionably help you to raise a new generation of young men where positive masculinity in the future is the norm more so than not.
