A Lesson from This Week's Headlines

Here’s another valuable lesson garnered from this week’s headlines:

It’s important to know what you believe and to stand by it.

A senator gave up an appointment to an influential government position this week because he felt it would require compromise on things he valued. Despite the lure of power and status, a man weighed his values and walked away from a place of prominence and toward his deeply-held principles.

Boys can be lured by the promise of popularity as well. The attraction of the cool group, the fun guys, the athletes, can be strong. Sometimes those groups require sacrifice of personal values for the group image.

How can you help your son fight that lure? Early on, talk about what you believe. Ask him what he believes, what is important to him. And make sure home is a haven. It’s a lot easier to stand in the face of compromise if you feel support from home.

Encourage your son to be his own man. Talk about the courage of those you see in the public eye who uphold their convictions. And most of all, reinforce your son's independence and convictions when you see them.

For the love of boys,
Laura