Rethinking Masculinity: Raising Boys with Empathy
A recent incident outside a suburban Target left me wondering how well we prepare boys for relationships, respect, and emotional well-being. A fight between a teenage boy and girl unfolded in the parking lot, and while a bystander stepped in to break it up, the scene raised deeper questions: Do we teach boys that they, too, can be affected by abuse?
Too often, we raise boys to “toughen up” while protecting girls from harm. But ignoring the reality of intimate partner violence (IPV) against boys leaves them vulnerable not stronger. Abuse isn’t just physical; it’s also psychological, and any child, regardless of gender, needs the tools to recognize and escape unhealthy relationships.
We must shift the narrative. Teaching boys that mutual respect, emotional safety, and personal boundaries matter is not just about protecting them, it’s about shaping a culture where healthier relationships thrive for everyone.
Our boys deserve guidance, not just resilience training. They deserve to be heard, supported, and empowered. Talk to your sons. Teach them about respect, emotional intelligence, and what real love looks like. This is because preparing them for healthy relationships is not just about keeping them from harming others, it’s also about making sure they are not harmed themselves.
