As my son prepared to embark on his journey into adulthood, I felt a mix of excitement and nostalgia. While he dreamed of newfound freedom, I focused on compiling a list of vital lessons that I hoped would guide him through the complexities of life. Here are 25 insights I believe every young man should carry with him as he graduates.
- Question everything I taught you. I was wrong about some things.
- Don’t dismiss everything I’ve said. I was right about some things too.
- I fibbed a lot. Your hand won’t actually fly off for sticking it out a moving car window, and the tooth fairy is just a story.
- There were moments I considered selling you out of sheer frustration. I never would have, but it crossed my mind.
- You’ve been my teacher as much as I’ve been yours. Remember to learn from your future kids as well.
- Good manners matter. Chewing with your mouth closed and keeping your elbows off the table are essential skills.
- I should have encouraged you to express your opinions more. Standing up for yourself is important, and I apologize if I didn’t emphasize that enough.
- An apology doesn’t erase the consequences of your actions.
- Always shower, even when you’re exhausted. Others might not tell you if you smell bad.
- Clean your hands after using the bathroom. It’s simple hygiene, and trust me, you don’t want to shake hands with someone who doesn’t.
- Advocate for what’s right. You’ll have privileges that can easily overshadow others’ rights; don’t abuse them.
- How you treat your mother reflects how you’ll treat your partner. So, stop joking about putting me in a nursing home.
- If you ever feel like hurting a woman, remember I’ll come to remind you of the man I’ve raised—no matter how old I am.
- You are intelligent; I have wisdom. Someday, you’ll possess both.
- Heartbreak is inevitable. It will hurt deeply, but remember, you are not alone in this experience.
- Moderation in diet is crucial. Fast food today can have consequences that affect your health tomorrow.
- Courage is about facing fears, not the absence of them.
- Never text while driving, and don’t ride with anyone who does. It puts everyone at risk.
- When doing laundry, use cold water to avoid shrinking your clothes.
- I’ll continue making mistakes as your parent. My advice may not always be welcome, but understand it comes from love.
- Share what you have. Never sleep comfortably knowing someone is hungry.
- My love for you is unconditional. No matter the mistakes you make, that love will not fade.
- Laughter is essential. Make time for it daily, even if it means laughing until you snort.
- Crying is a natural and healthy expression of emotion for everyone, including men.
- I will eventually pass on, but know that you and your sister are my greatest joys. Your love for me has always been known, even during difficult times.
As you step into adulthood, remember these lessons. They are designed to help you navigate life’s challenges, and I hope they serve you well. For further insights into starting your family, consider exploring resources on home insemination at this link. Additionally, for a deeper understanding of fertility, check out guidance at Make a Mom and Cleveland Clinic.
Summary
This list provides essential life lessons for young men preparing for graduation. It emphasizes the importance of questioning beliefs, practicing good hygiene, standing up for oneself, and maintaining healthy relationships. Additionally, it reassures that parental love is unwavering, no matter the circumstances.