Raising great men is a serious job. One day, your little boy is going to grow up, and they will take on their role as men. The way they live out that role, the contributions they make to the community and the world around them, and the generations that follow them will all be affected by the way they see themselves and how they choose to live their lives. With all the parenting advice out there, it can be difficult to know what it takes to raise a good man, and some of that definition will depend on who you ask.

What we do know is boys grow up and face a tough world. Having the support of parents who believe in them makes all the difference. Here are some important and simple ways you can help affirm your sons in a culture that doesn’t always reinforce what they truly have to offer the world.