Dear Son, I will not put you on a high pedestal just because you are a boy

Dear Son,

You are at a very tender age where everything seems new and exciting, but you will grow up in a very confusing and chaotic world. This letter aims to steer you through the tough times which will leave you perplexed and make you appreciate the times that will take your breath away.

Firstly, I refuse to mollycoddle you and put you up on a high pedestal just because you are a boy. Our culture dictates that I should let you run riot and behave incomprehensibly just because,

“You are a boy and that’s what boys do.”

Well, not in my house.

You will not be raised to think you are a prince and will live your life in utter arrogant disdain for women who you will see as beneath you or less worthy. You are to clean your room, do the dishes and learn how to cook food and will continue to do so because I don’t want you to place a heavy expectation on your wife to clean up after you.

Secondly, I don’t want you to go through life pretending you have to be macho or act hard. It’s okay to cry at times and talk about your problems, instead of bottling them up. You will not be considered less of a man in my eyes regardless of what the world thinks. There is no shame in crying.

Thirdly, treat women well. Never ever refer to them in derogatory terms or use explicit language towards them no matter how she may be dressed. A woman is not a sexual object. She is not a hoe. She is not a b***h. She is not a gold digger. She is not a means to self-gratification. She is a beautiful enigma who deserves your love and attention. Marry not for looks or education but for how she respects you as a person. There are many educated fools amongst us and it is important to find a person whose education matches her good grace.

Fourthly, work hard and learn to stand on your own two feet. This world is extremely competitive and getting top grades is not enough. Do something beyond just learning from books, such as playing an instrument or learning a new language; something which will help you stand out from amongst the ordinary bookworms.

Lastly, be kind to everyone. No matter whom it is. Be kind to the unkind, the poor, the rich, the ill, the healthy and the ones who hurt you the most. Kindness will never be wasted and will come back to help you in a multitude of ways. Have faith in your Creator to see the wisdom of this.

I hope these words will help you in alleviating the confusion that is creating chaos in our constantly modern and evolving society. Have patience, believe in your Creator and always be humble.

Lots of love,

Your Mother