Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Do Men Teach Men to be Better Men or Do Women?

I would like to know what other folks think about this. In part, because as any individual, my observations are limited to the circle and the community I am a part of and that usually in some way reflects what I believe.

My personal observation is that women teach men about women. And, they teach them how to treat women from a very young age. I have noted in my circle that boys raised by single women often are better gentlemen. Because single moms often expect their sons to share in household responsibilities they are more comfortable doing things that were once, and in some cases, considered women's work.

Beyond these superficial aspects of household contributions, which are nonetheless important, without the buffer of a husband, a son sees how women respond to life's victories and its challenges. Single parenting isn't easy and these boys often grow up with an appreciation of women's contributions. They see the emotional side of women and learn how they think. Often, if the relationship is healthy and the bond between parent and child strong, mutual growth and understanding occurs, both the mother and son become better people. Boundaries and communication abilities are established that sometimes a two parent family overlooks.

I know in my circle, some of the best young gentlemen where raised by single moms. What do you think?

1 comment:

Ian Harwick said...

I would tend to agree that women teach men better and the same goes for men teaching women as well. In a previous post I stated that my dad acted as a gentleman daily, but it was my mother who helped ingrain those characteristics in me. On the flip side I know many women raised mainly by their mothers. Most of them lack self confidence, trust (in men) and also a role model to base a future husband (or boyfriend on).

Even in two person families, it is my belief that the opposite sex is a better teacher for the child.

Ian Harwick