7 things fathers should teach their sons.

It’s Father’s Day. And in honour of all the great dads out there, here are the life lessons boys need from their father.

I’ll never forget the moment we found out the baby in my belly was a boy.

“Can you guess?” asked the sonographer.

I stared blankly at the blurry fuzziness on the screen.

No. Idea.

“It’s a boy,” my partner said grinning.

“Yes Dad, you’re having a boy,” the sonographer confirmed.

My partner couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. Actually, neither could I, we were both secretly hoping for a boy.

And less than two years later we were blessed with a second gorgeous little boy.

It is almost spot on seven years after that first ultrasound. seven years since my partner found out he would have a little boy to love, to guide and to teach.

And seven years since he made the list of things he wanted to teach his son.

As we sit here now on Father’s Day, I like to think back over the last few years and see how wonderful it has been watching him tick off items on his list and smile as I think about what he will continue to teach them in the years to come.

To date, these are the most impressive items on the list.

1. Life isn’t easy but family will always support you.

Children will learn from a young age that life doesn’t always go to plan but fathers can teach their sons, from a young age, that they are there to offer support and love and have their back for anything. It sets the perfect foundations for an open and honest relationship going into the teenage years.

2. It’s okay to show emotions, including affection.

Men often hide emotions away. They’re told to be strong and hold it together. It’s so important for fathers to lead by example and show their sons it is okay to show emotions. It’s okay to be upset and cry just as it is okay to feel loved and be affectionate.

3. Girls are not objects and must be respected.

When I talk to my friends and their husbands about things fathers need to teach their sons this one always comes up. Raising loving, caring and chivalrous men starts by showing young boys that women are equal; they are not objects and they are to be respected. Always.

4. Patience and acceptance.

Boys tend to have a short fuse. They get frustrated and lash out. Even my quieter, more reserved son has limited patience. Teaching patience is, ironically, a timely and testing exercise. Each day my fiancé spends time showing our sons how to have patience and to show acceptance for things out of their control.

5. How to cook and eat well.

Some of the best chefs in the world are male and yet so many jokes are made about a women’s place being in the kitchen. One of the best things a man can do is be present in the kitchen. Help cook and help clean and teach his sons about healthy eating and nutrition.

6. The practical stuff.

Knowing how to tie a knot, change a tyre, mow the lawn and conduct car maintenance will benefit everyone later in life but don’t stop at stereotypical male activities. You will also need to teach your sons how the vacuum works, how to wash their clothes for their first interview and how to stack the dishwasher after dinner.

7. Your penis is not a hose (and the toilet doesn't need washing down.) 

Thank God he taught them this one early. My sanity and my bathroom have both benefited greatly from this.

This Father’s Day let’s think about all the fantastic things the good men in our lives are teaching our sons.

Let’s celebrate them leading by example and showing our sons how to be respectable, caring and loving young men.

And, more importantly, let’s celebrate the day all the men in our life learn to aim properly in the bathroom.

What do you hope your son learns as he grows up?

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