Every night at bedtime, Jane would kiss her five-year-old son’s cheek, and say, “I love you so much.”
One night, her son said, “Mom, I know you love me. But are you proud of me?”
That’s a true story that Dr. Emerson Eggerich shared while teaching about his book, Love and Respect.
Hearing her son’s question, Jane realized her son was already craving respect. She changed her approach. At bedtime, started putting her hand on her son’s shoulder and saying, “I am so proud of you.” Every time she did, her son would puff his chest and smile.
Your son does need to know you love him, of course. But don’t forget about his desire to hear that you like him and are proud of the person that he is, as well.
To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.
