Raising Boys Who Respect Girls By Dave WillisSýnishorn

Much of the lust, miscommunication, and unintentional messages being sent from boys to girls and vice versa result from unclear standards or unspoken questions. What can we do as parents to provide clarity? We need to understand the reality of the situation. First, boys are fighting raging hormones, constant visual temptation, and mental warfare over how they should be responding. Second, most boys have the misconception that girls want to be the objects of their sexual fantasies or sexual attention simply because of how they dress. Third, boys need to know it’s never appropriate or respectful to sexualize or objectify any girl for any reason, regardless of what the girl is wearing.

Our boys also need to know that they can win this battle. They must win this battle. They can’t make excuses. They must also know that you, as a mom or dad, are a safe place for them to ask questions. I know these conversations can be awkward and messy and scary, but that’s part of being a parent. Be a safe place for your son.

Most of our boys secretly feel powerless over their sexual thoughts, and the thought of waiting until marriage to have any healthy outlet for their sexual energy seems impossible. One of our most important tasks as parents is to help them find the courage, strength, and belief that God has given them the power to do what feels impossible. They need to be reminded that they can do all things through Christ who gives them strength (Phil. 4:13).