I'm raising a son. One day he'll be a man β a partner, colleague, friend. What am I teaching him?
Model it. He learns respect by seeing it in action. The way I talk about women, the way I treat women in our family. He's watching every interaction.
Teach emotional literacy. Boys are often told to suppress emotions. This doesn't make them stronger β it makes them less able to empathize. I want my son to know his feelings and express them appropriately.
Talk about consent early and often. Not just about sex β everyday bodily autonomy. "Can I give you a hug?" "Your body belongs to you." Starts in toddlerhood.
Call out stereotypes. "Why do you think only girls like pink?" "Do you think boys can be nurses?" Plant these seeds early.
Teach him to listen. Really listen. Not interrupt, not problem-solve, not offer opinions unless asked. This one skill will serve him in every relationship.
This isn't a one-time conversation. It's a thousand small moments over years. The world doesn't need more men who dominate β it needs more men who respect.