As a father of two boys, I often find myself struggling with the values I see around us today. More than anything, I want to raise young men who are extraordinary, not in the sense of fame or wealth, but in character. I want my sons to be kind, respectful, mindful of others and hardworking. I want them to be honest, good to others, and aware of the world around them. But some days, it feels like swimming against the current.
I try my best to teach these qualities, but it seems like society doesn’t value them the same way anymore. It’s overwhelming, and sometimes I feel like I’m failing. How do I raise them to be remarkable men in a world that seems to celebrate everything but those values? Do any of you ever feel the same, and how do you stay on track?
Hey, Eric, I hear you loud and clear. I’ve got two older boys, now 12 and 10, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. There were times when I thought the lessons I tried to teach them weren’t sinking in. But here’s the thing: they were listening, even when it felt like they weren’t. It’s in the little moments, holding a door open for someone, offering help without being asked, where you’ll start seeing all your hard work reflected.
One thing that helped me was modeling the behavior I wanted to see. When I messed up, I owned it. If I wanted them to be respectful, I had to be respectful, even when I was frustrated. It’s not easy, and there were definitely moments I questioned if I was doing it right. But now, seeing them grow into compassionate young men, I realize the importance of those efforts. Just keep planting those seeds. It’ll pay off.