We can not let June go by without acknowledging Men's Mental Health Month, but the article will not focus on men; instead, it will focus on boys. Before a man becomes a man, he starts as a boy—a boy who may be interested in toys, sports, cars, and other things. Boys start with a clean slate like all children, but just like all children, adverse experiences, cultural norms, and gender roles start to shape them. This is not to say anything is bad, but it is to say that sometimes these things can hurt how boys view themselves and show up in our world. Boys deal with insecurities and self-doubt but often mask these feelings with aggressive behavior. This art of masking feelings has become a skill that many boys carry into adulthood. This masking later on leads to the undoing of many men. It is time we understood what it means to raise boys to have a healthy mindset but also with a healthy sense of self. Here are some tips:
Encouragement and Support: Provide consistent encouragement and support for their efforts and achievements, whether big or small. Celebrate their successes and help them learn from setbacks without feeling discouraged.
Positive Role Models: Surround boys with positive male role models who demonstrate healthy self-esteem and behavior. This could be a father, older sibling, mentor, or coach who embodies qualities like confidence, respect, and emotional intelligence.
Teach Emotional Awareness: Help boys recognize and express their emotions in constructive ways. Encourage them to talk about how they feel and validate their emotions, teaching them that it's okay to experience and process feelings.
Encourage Independence: Foster independence by giving boys opportunities to make decisions and solve problems on their own. This builds their sense of competence and self-reliance.
Address Bullying and Peer Pressure: Equip boys with strategies to handle bullying and peer pressure effectively. Teach assertiveness, resilience, and how to seek support when needed.
Promote Healthy Relationships: Teach boys about the importance of respect, kindness, and empathy in their relationships with others. Encourage positive social interactions and help them navigate conflicts peacefully.
Limit Comparisons: Discourage constant comparison with others, whether in terms of appearance, achievements, or abilities. Help them understand that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.
Healthy Lifestyle: Encourage physical activity, good nutrition, and sufficient sleep, as these contribute to overall well-being and can positively impact self-esteem.
Always remember to be consistent in applying these approaches. Thank you for your time.
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