Teaching Boys to Respect Women

Consider this: according to The New York Times, 201 powerful men have been exposed for their mistreatment of women in recent years. Titans of the business world, of politics, and of the entertainment industry. Their behavior cost them their reputations and ended their careers. A few of the men wound up in jail. Or dead.

The question our culture must answer is, “Why did those 201 men believe that their power gave them the right to mistreat anybody?” How did these men become so bereft of a moral compass? How did they come to believe that certain behavior was acceptable in an office, a locker room, a board room, or digitally?

One of the most outrageous statements I’ve ever read came from a journalist who argued that manhood itself was dangerous to society. Should fathers and sons now be considered some kind of social disease?

As a man, a husband, and the father of two wonderful young men of my own, I couldn’t disagree more. Manhood is not the problem. It’s part of the solution.

Communities need good men in order to thrive. That’s true across cultures around the world. Good husbands and fathers:

Contribute to strong communities.
Live with courage, integrity, self-control, and humility.
Confront problems head-on.
Do what’s right even when it requires sacrifice.
Are loyal. They stand up for the weak and defend truth.
Command respect and respect others, especially women.

When men embrace masculinity the way God designed it, everybody wins – men, women, and children alike. Our society needs more good men, not less. Teaching boys to become men isn’t dangerous; it’s heroic.

How do we raise boys to respect women?

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Teaching Boys to Respect Women,” Dave Willis, a dad of four boys, identifies blind spots that lead to disrespect, and challenges you to examine your heart to become a solid model for your children. He helps parents learn to cultivate a healthy respect for God and others in their children.

Listen to our conversation on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or on our free phone app.

Dave Willis is a speaker, author, and a television host for MarriageToday, along with his wife, Ashley. Dave’s book, Raising Boys Who Respect Girls: Upending Locker Room Mentality, Blind Spots, and Unintended Sexism is available for a gift of any amount. Visit our website. If you can’t afford it, we’ll find a way to get it to you.