You don't raise heroes, you raise sons. If you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes, even if it's just in your own eyes.- Walter Schirra Sr.

Moms of boys

Imagine it is 15 years from now, what do you see your son doing with his life? To answer that question, you need to think about what you are teaching your son right now. These 5 tips are a guideline to instilling confidence in your son to make the right choices in life.

Tip# 1 Teach your son to align his actions with family values

As parents, we repeat the same tired lectures without indicating our family values. If you are not discussing your family's values with him, you are assuming he knows them. In order for your son to become a self sufficient and self reliant adult, you have to instill in him the importance of being responsible. Don't always rush to help or rescue your son or help to solve his problems. Teach your son that others are not responsible for his mistakes or misfortunes.

Tip #2 Focus on your son's strengths, not weaknesses

In society, we are urged to develop our weaknesses, not our strengths. Think about how well you know your son's abilities. Make a list of all the things your son does well. Encourage your son in the areas in which he excels instead of focusing on your areas in which you son has deficiencies.

Tip #3 Teach your son to trust his instincts

We are born with natural instincts for our survival. As children grow, they tend to rely less on their instincts because in the past doing what pleases them may have gotten them in trouble. Let your son know that it is ok to trust his "gut feeling". This will help him to trust himself to make the right decisions. He will become more self aware and street smart. Children that trust their instincts are less likely to get involved in unhealthy peer pressure.

Tip #4 Teach your son to set realistic goals

Reasonable expectations from you will help him to avoid unnecessary pressure. Encourage him to define his own expectations instead of trying to measure up to your expectations. Download Free Goal Setting Toolkit for Boys

Tip #5 Teach your son to be courageous

To go against the grain takes courage. To take a stand for what is right takes courage. To speak up and defend what you believe takes courage. To fight the Goliath in your life takes courage.

How are you nurturing greatness in your son?

Moms of boys