Like Father Like Son
Vital Relationship Between the Man of the House and the Next in Line
Dad is not only a role model to his son, but also a great teacher who has hands-on experience on what it is like to be a man.
A father-son relationship is all about a boy emulating his father. In order for this to be an effective relationship, a father must be a good role model to his son. This does not mean perfection. No one is perfect, and no one is expected to be right all the time. In fact, when a father makes a mistake, it is a good opportunity to show his son how to handle errors and wrongdoings. Point blank...we all learn all the time.
Dad is the Man
Once a boy hits his toddler years, his attention generally turns from mom as the star attraction to dad being the main event. This is when little boys get interested in playing with tools, boats, and tractors. It's all about being like dad. Children learn from imitating the behaviors of others, and naturally girls will want to be like mom, while boys want to be like dad.
Dad in the Adolescent Years
As boys mature they find their physical and mental needs changing. They start separating themselves from all things female. Tweens turn towards fathers and other men to learn about masculinity. Thus, a tween boy's focus is on dad as the main role model in his life. He takes mental pictures of how his dad treats others, deals with situations, and his mannerisms. Mom may be a great mom, but she can never teach her son how to be a man. Dad's role is vital throughout a boy's entire life, and the adolescent years are no exception.
Spending Time with Your Son
Because a tween boy needs his father's interaction and this is a time when he really wants to be close to his father, here are some ways to spend quality time together:
- Day trips. An outing with dad, doing things that men like to do, is a great way to bond with your son. A fishing trip, a movie, or bowling are "guy things" that are fun for both father and son.
- Working out. Everyone needs to be fit and stay in shape. Why not do it together? A father-son workout routine is perfect. A father can train his son on proper techniques, and the son feels good about the activity that he and his father can share as their "special thing."
- Household projects. With a mom constantly providing the famous "honey-do list," there are plenty of opportunities for dad to teach his son about woodworking, working on cars, cleaning a garage, and other chores. Working on the yard together is also a great activity that is productive and provides quality time together.
- Coaching. Having dad as a coach for a team sport is awesome! Not only do father and son get to spend time together, but dad has a chance to teach boys about a passion that he loves.
Exciting Times
Having an adolescent son can be a very exciting time for a dad. He should capitalize on the fact that he has a son who wants to be just like him. Just think of all the opportunities that are available. What greater honor is there than knowing that a dad can directly affect the life a boy who wants nothing more than to be like him. How great is that?
