International Boy Child Day: Raising Boys With Values, Discipline, and Purpose
By Omolola Talkstv
In today’s world, conversations around children and the future of society have become more important than ever. As we celebrate the International Boy Child Day, it is necessary to remind ourselves that boys also need guidance, emotional support, discipline, proper upbringing, and positive role models.
A boy child is not just “a young boy.”
He is a future father.
A future husband.
A future leader.
A future mentor.
A future protector of society.
The kind of training a boy receives today will eventually reflect in the kind of man he becomes tomorrow.
Many societies are now experiencing the consequences of neglected upbringing. Some boys grow up without direction, without discipline, without emotional balance, and without proper values. While love is important, overpampering a child without correction can become dangerous in the long run. A child who is never taught responsibility may struggle to understand accountability as an adult.
In Yoruba culture, raising a child has never been the duty of one person alone. It was a collective responsibility. Elders corrected children. Parents guided them. Communities watched over them. Boys were taught respect, hard work, patience, self-control, and the importance of protecting their family name.
A popular Yoruba belief says: “A child who is not trained properly will sell the house built by the trained child.”
This is why upbringing matters.
Teaching boys to suppress emotions completely is also harmful. Boys should be taught strength, but they should also be taught wisdom, empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence. A balanced boy grows into a responsible man.
We must teach boys that masculinity is not violence.
Leadership is not oppression.
Strength is not disrespectful.
And authority must come with responsibility.
The world needs boys who will grow into men of honour, integrity, and purpose. Men who will protect instead of destroy. Men who will lead with wisdom instead of pride.
As we celebrate the boy child today, let us remember: The future of every society partly depends on how its boys are raised.
Let us raise boys who will become responsible fathers.
Raise boys who will respect women.
Raise boys who value truth and hard work.
Raise boys who understand culture, humanity, and dignity.
Because when a boy is raised properly, an entire generation benefits from it.
Happy International Boy Child Day from Omolola Talkstv — promoting culture, values, truth, and responsible storytelling for generations to come.
