Connecting With Kids on Values

Don't wait for problems to arise. Be proactive and install good values in your kids like this.

I don't know any men that would say this. This is poorly adjusted boy talk, and it is happening in schools.

Let's talk about something all people can do proactively.

Talk to young boys and men in your life. I did today. Here is how the conversation played out.

I mentioned the fact that this has already happened in our community. Then I asked what we thought about it.

He thought it was horrible. Accomplishment one, I clarified my son's values.

Then I asked him what he would do if he saw it happening. He walked me through verbally confronting the bully and specifying that he wasn't looking for physical confrontation.

I told him that was good. I also suggested he start by ensuring the young woman was okay and offering support.

My conversation with my son went smoothly. I knew he was good, but I was reassured. The biggest reason it did is this isn't the first time we discussed topics like this. Me approaching something before it comes up, starting with a question, and making it a dialogue instead of a monologue.

It's never too early or too late to discuss things like this with your kids. The topic may require different levels of detail, but the act of having dialogue about issues is a good practice to maintain.