how to raise emotionally healthy boys???

Question

I have 2 boys ages 3 and 7. I would like to have advice on how to help raise them to be eomtionally aware and to express their emotions in healthy ways....how to encourage them to do this....also ...my 7 yr. old doesnt know how to identify and express this emotions well and I can see this in him ...how can I help him identify them and to let the boys know it is ok to feel and express it. There is so much stigma about men being weak or sissy if they feel and express it and I dont want that for them it is so much healthier to just be human ...web sites would help me as well. thanks

Answer 1

do you talk about your emotions and feelings to them in words that they can understand? you might have to lead them into the conversations at first until they learn that it is acceptable.
So when you're tired and grumpy, ask them if they ever get really grouchy when they're tired and talk about ways to cheer up. When someone says something that hurts your feelings, ask them if they understand what it's like and encourage them to tell you about it to help *you* feel better. It's easier to talk about other people's feelings at first, soon they'll be open to discuss theirs.

Answer 2

You can try, but I think the children are a product of their parents. In my children I have a daughter that is very sensitive. She will cry for anything, I have a son from a different marriage that is the same. I feel they get this from me. I have a step daughter who is cold hearted and could care less about the feelings of others, this is the mom or my wife now

Answer 3

Teach them moderation and forgiveness.

Never forget you must actually speak the words and on occasion point with one finger to show them what things mean and the important things they need to recognize to make good decisions. For the little one, say things like "you are angry" when he throws a tantrum, or "you are frustrated" when he can't put a puzzle together the way he wants. You must actually name things for them, so they know the words to use to express themselves appropriately.

I've done this with my two girls (ages 3 and almost 5) and everyone says how well-spoken they are for their ages. They can tell me when they are frustrated, angry, sad, happy, joyful, whatever.

Answer 4

Talk to them. Boys don't like to be asked in a way that makes them look like the underdog. Take them on bike rides and talk or build a model car. Boys love this. Although I think that trying to completey abolish the fact that men do hide their feelings, it isn't going to work. They are men. Be in control of them but show respect also.

Answer 5

Love them.. Support them.. Talk to them about everything.. sex..drugs..music..I believe that when a parent talks openly to a child about these things, the child wont be embarrassed when they want to talk about those things!.. Dont hide things from them, encourage them, let them make there own choices and learn from them.. get involved in things they do.. and remember that no matter what they do in there life, they are your children and you have the responsibility of been there for them no matter what age.. time of day.. reason! Unconditional love!!!!!

Answer 6

Spend time with them
Spend time with them
Spend time with them

Don't be afraid to do mistakes, It is OK, As long as you did what you thought the right thing at that time.

It is a growing experience for everybody. But most important of all
Spend time with them.

Answer 7

The book "Bringing Up Boys" by Dr. Dobson will help you...

Go here to see it
http://lightyourway.spreadtheword.com/content/search/product/view_item.php?dcn=1999&sm=

Answer 8

Let them be themselves and teach them to respect others. Don't discourage them from crying or expressing their emotions.