Whether or not you have kids, you should take a minute and identify some of the core
values of fatherhood. Because when you do become a dad, you’ll have to pass down those
values to your children. We asked you to weigh in on the most
important lessons a fathercan
teach a son. A ton of you answered. Here are the best replies. Responses have been edited
for clarity.
Look People In The Eye
“I tell my three boys that if you want to be taken seriously in a room full of adults,
always look people in the eye when you speak to them and always shake their hand in a
firm, positive manner.”-Patrick
Be A Loving Husband
“Let your son witness you hugging your wife daily and let him hear you telling your wife
you love her. Young boys use these experiences as examples for how to model their own
relationships for the rest of their lives.”-Aaron J. Zach
Be compassionate but not a pushover
“One of the most important things a man should teach his son is how to be compassionate
but not a pushover. A real man knows how to empathize but stay true to his values at the
same time.”-Peter Low
Be Open-Minded
“Open-mindedness. Perhaps one of the most important principles we can teach our kids is
how to think for themselves so they can develop into individuals, not mini versions of
their dads, as cool as that sounds.”-Daniel Pawlak
Don’t Expect The Worst In People
“A man should teach his son to treat others with kindness and respect. Every person
deserves a clean slate and a kind reception when you meet them for the first time. Whether
they then damage that perception is up to them.”-Zach
Expect to work hard
“A man should teach his son discipline and hard work so that he can carry through and be
ready for life when he grows into the outer world. These things are to be taught by way of
leading by example, focusing on first things first and helping him recognize how important
it is to help others.”-Bruce
Take Nothing For Granted
“A man should teach his son to question everything and take nothing for granted. The son
should also learn to respect women and how to clean up after himself. He should teach his
son to be responsible and not to take any crap from anybody.”-J.J.