To Be a Man, He Has to See a Man: 5 Ways Black Men Can Inspire Their Sons
"A boy becomes a man when he sees a man doing man things. We need to show our sons how to walk the path of responsibility, resilience, and respect." — Eric Thomas
Fatherhood is a profound journey of challenges, obstacles and triumphs. As fathers raising Black sons, their role is even more crucial in guiding their sons to grow into strong, confident, and compassionate men.
The wisdom captured in the phrase, "To be a man, he has to see a man," speaks to the importance of modelling the behaviours, values, and attitudes we wish to see in our sons.The pandemic and lockdown bought many challenges for fathers as they navigated lockdown, home schooling (sometimes) blended family dynamics whilst creating a positive hybrid environment. Here are five ways to encourage and inspire your sons, rooted in life lessons that promote growth, resilience, and integrity.
1. There is Strength in being Vulnerable
Strength isn't just about physical prowess or endurance; it's also about the courage to be vulnerable. Share your feelings, struggles, and fears with your son. Let him see that it's okay to express emotions and seek help when needed. By doing so, you teach him that true strength lies in honesty and emotional openness, breaking the harmful stereotype that Black men must always be tough and hard-hearted.
2. Display Respect and Empathy
Respect and empathy are foundational to all healthy relationships. Treat everyone with dignity and kindness, regardless of their background or status. Fathers who express their feelings teach their sons that vulnerability is not weakness but rather an aspect of true strength. Their sons learn by watching how you interact with others. Show him that every person deserves respect and that understanding different perspectives enriches his own. This lesson will help him build meaningful and respectful relationships throughout his life.
3. Embrace Education and Lifelong Learning
Education is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Encourage your son to pursue his interests and support his educational endeavours. Show him that learning doesn't stop after school but continues throughout life. Whether it’s through reading, acquiring new skills, or engaging in thoughtful conversations, demonstrate a love for knowledge and personal development. Fathers who prioritise education’s value will instill in him the value of continuous growth and intellectual curiosity.
4. Lead by Example in Hard Work and Perseverance
Success rarely comes without effort and persistence. Share your work ethic with your son by involving him in your projects and responsibilities. Let him see the dedication and effort you put into your endeavours, and discuss the challenges you face and how you overcome them. This first-hand experience teaches him the value of hard work, perseverance, and resilience in achieving his goals.
5. Cultivate a Spirit of Giving and Community Involvement
Understanding one’s cultural heritage and roots instils pride and positive identity. By celebrating cultural heritage and history, fathers connect their sons to generations past – grounding them with a sense of belonging while inspiring them to forge new paths forward.
Service begets leadership; by engaging in community service together, fathers can show their sons the importance of giving back while building essential skills like teamwork and civic responsibility.
Engage in community service and involve your son in these activities. Show him the importance of contributing to the well-being of others and the power of collective effort. Whether it’s volunteering, mentoring, or supporting local initiatives, your actions will inspire him to become a compassionate and active member of his community.
And don’t forget, understanding one’s roots instils pride and identity. By celebrating cultural heritage and history, fathers connect their sons to generations past – grounding them with a sense of belonging while inspiring them to forge new paths forward.
In closing, being a father is more than providing and protecting; it’s about being present, setting examples, and imparting life lessons that shape our sons into admirable men. Remember, "To be a man, he has to see a man." By embodying these principles, you not only guide your son but also contribute to the strength and resilience of our community. Let your actions speak volumes, for they are the blueprint your son will follow on his journey to manhood.
Share Your Thoughts and Experiences!
We hope you found this article inspiring and insightful. Your journey as a father is unique and invaluable, and we’d love to hear from you.
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Source: #fathersmatter fathersmatterllc@gmail.com
