This page will house all of the important information on what it means to be a man. I will be continually adding to this page to give my boys a resource on how to become a real man. Several people will be contributing to this page.
JL On What Makes a Real Man
first, to me, when i think about being a man, i think about what i do in my actions and whether or not my dad would be proud of me - there are very few times that i make a decision that i DON'T think about what my dad would think - and i can honestly say that this has driven many, many decisions that i've made...
beyond this, what makes a real man is pretty tough to answer - i think it's a combination of figuring out when you need to fight through and do things yourself and also having the wisdom to know when you need to ask for help - it's a desire to learn something new on a daily basis - it's about loyalty and earning a friend's trust - it's about setting an example - it's about standing up for your beliefs, even when that can be a hard thing to do - it's about admitting that you're wrong, even when that can be a hard thing to do...
JM On What Makes a Real Man
First, thanks for including me.
Second, You don't need any direction--just by asking these questions you are proving you're well above the curve in fatherhood.
Third, I would suggest that one always has to be open to suggestions--Shakespeare said "the fool doth think himself wise but the wise man doth know he is a fool"--none of us knows everything--be pensive-be careful not to overreact too soon-study the situation-you don't get points for scoring first if you lose the game.
fourth, Give your time-this includes not just play time but study time-as your kids enter school set asie time each night to study together-they will learn the value of hard work in doing so-kids grow up too fast--already you're remembering when Jack was so young--those days will not return--enjoy every moment
Firth, be a role model-don't lose your temper with Moinca-never go to bed mad--the boys are watching as well as learning in everything you do
Sixth, give them strong values--this my include going to church--there is something to be said about an institution that hasn't changed that much in 2000 years--sometimes it's valuable to hold on to such a solid rock
And sometimes remember that no matter what you do-fate may throw a monkey wrench at you
Parenting is the hardest thing in the world to do--too bad too many try to do it
1. don't be afraid to make a mistake
2. develop strong friendships--an extension of team if you will
3. see value in all things--sports, the arts, music, cooking etc etc--allow your sons to follow their wishes wherever they take them--the renaissance writers called it Virtue--to be rounded in all things
4. always show class--be above the fray
5. be short in anger -long in judgment
Good Resources for Information on Manhood
The Bible
Wild at Heart
Raising a Modern Day Knight
A Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy
