5 practical ways to teach your sons to be gentlemen when they grow up (2024)

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On a daily basis, I think about what kind of people our childrenwill be when they are grown. Will they be responsible? Will they be kind? Will they be helpful?

Today I am sharing5 practical ways to teach boys to be men. When our son was younger, he went to a week-long local summer day camp in our own (it was 3 hours a day, similar to Vacation Bible School) and hesigned up for ‘MAN LAND’ in the camp.

I expected it to be a class about making things with tools or doing more boy-scout type of things. I was wrong and I’m happy about it!

When I went into the camp, on the last day, for Parent’s Day, their camp leader greeted us. There were 12 young men in our son’s group. The leader, John, had given each of them a nickname. Our son was “Arrow Head” because he is strong and quick thinking, like an arrow (so true!).

John introduced each of the 12 young menand then said “God made your sons to become men. What kind of man do you want your son to be? ”

Then John looked at the group of 7, 8 and 9-year-old young menand said to them: “What kind of man will you be?”

They all answered, in unison, “GENTLEMEN.”

I loved that. I want our sons to be gentlemen. I want them to be strong, but kind. I want them tobe steady, but take chances. I want them to be successful, but generous.

Here are 5 ways that we can teach our young men to begentlemen:

1- Handshakes.
Every boy should understand the art of the handshake. There are two kinds: formal and informal. This group learned both of them.

Formal handshake~Strong handshake. Look the opposing person in the eyes. Introduce yourself first “Hi. I’m ___.” Ask for their name “You are?”

Informal Handshake~ Take their hand and pull it in while you give them a hug with the other hand and use that second hand to pat them firmly on the back. Ask a question “How are you, Man?”

2- Tie a Tie.
Every single young manin that room walked away with the ability to tie a tie. It was not easy and it took practice. They were asked to practice at home, as well.

He also talked about how to DRESS like a gentleman (matching your pants, shirt, jacket, socks, etc… with your tie) and how to dress appropriately.
Example: For a wedding, you wear a suit.
To workoutside, you wear work clothes.

3- How to make a pancake.
I loved this one because it gave them that extra bit of responsibility. It can be dangerous if you aren’t responsible, but you are smart, and you can handle this. He taught them how to prepare and serve the pancakes. The art ofwhen it is time to flip them over(when they bubble through) and when to take them off of the griddle. He taught these young men how much syrup is needed and how to cut pancakes correctly: with a fork and spoon.
Then he told them to cook breakfast for their mom! (Love that one even more!)

4. How to serve others.
Carry laundry for your mom. Shovel the walk-way when it snows. Carry groceries in without being asked. Take the dog out and care for him.

5. Paint a room.
Paint around the trim (tape it off). Check if you need one or two coats of paint.
Paint the trimseparately. Use a roller. Use a brush.
(Our kids love to help my husband paint!)

Yes, these are practical, but they are great for your children to know and understand. Sometimes the most practical things are really what our kids need to know and understand in order to feel responsible, confident and strong.

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