TNMU #157: How The Boy Becomes A Man

Although boys don’t automatically become men, there are stages that they pass through in their growth and development. Borrowing language and references from learning to be a master craftsman, we talk about 4 distinct stages boys progress through in their journey of becoming the men they were created to be. And when you understand and cooperate with those stages it makes you an even more effective father. Music Credit: "Funkorama" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Expanded Notes: 4 Keys Stages of Manhood: Novice (0-12) Experiencing life as a boy, becoming more and more curious about what it means to be a man He needs engagement, nurturing, preparation for next stage Apprentice (13-18) Asking questions like “what is a man”, or “how do I become a man?” Ideal age for the initiation process He needs guiding, training, and releasing Journeymen (19-30’ish) Responsibility shift for him from learning to doing He needs encouragement, support, partnership Master (30+) Like a black belt, there’s mastery but the learning continues See Fathered By God for a more in depth look Still needs love, affirmation and encouragement Familiarity and cooperation with these stages will help you as a dad Work in current stage to prepare him for the next Recognize how your role shifts with each stage Remember: relationship first, love always