Societal Woes of Neglected Upbringing: Raising the Boy Child for a Better Tomorrow
Yet, in this focus, the boy child seems to have been left in the shadows, his development and moral upbringing relegated to secondary importance.
This neglect has quietly but significantly contributed to the moral and social decay we witness today.
The societal narrative surrounding the boy child is one that demands examination.
From a young age, boys are often taught implicitly or explicitly that their primary value lies in their ability to provide financially.
"A man's beauty is in his money," we say, sidelining essential virtues such as kindness, integrity, and respect. This narrow definition of masculinity has led to a generation of young men willing to do anything to secure wealth, often at the expense of their humanity.
Take a moment to consider some of the recent tragedies in Nigeria.
A former gospel singer in Abuja allegedly beheaded his girlfriend, and had the heart to butcher her in parts, for what exactly?an innocent woman who did him no harm, lost her life just like that. What do you make of this incident, I see a faulty upbringing.
In Delta State, a man and his daughter were brutally murdered over a land dispute by a man who thought the only way to end the land dispute is by killing and taking a life he didn't give. What do you make of this story again? Faulty upbringing.
These are not isolated incidents, they are symptoms of a deeper societal ailment. At their root lies the boy child who was never taught the sanctity of life, the value of empathy, or the importance of resolving conflict peacefully.
In many homes, boys are allowed to "get away with" behaviors that would never be tolerated in girls.
Parents excuse aggression, dishonesty, or a lack of accountability with phrases like "boys will be boys." These boys grow up believing that their actions have no real consequences.
When this mindset is compounded by societal pressures to become breadwinners at an early age, the result is often men who prioritize survival over morality, who see wealth as their only path to respect.
Furthermore, the emphasis on quick financial success has birthed a culture where many young men resort to criminal activities. The boy child, burdened by family expectations and societal neglect, may turn to robbery, kidnapping, or worse to meet these unrealistic demands.
It’s time to rewrite the script. The boy child deserves as much investment emotionally, morally, and intellectually as the girl child.
Just as we host countless workshops, seminars, and campaigns to empower girls, we must do the same for boys. These initiatives should focus on teaching boys the values that make them good sons, brothers, husbands, and fathers.
Teach boys to value kindness, love, and respect for others, especially women.
Instill the understanding that taking another person’s life is not just a crime but a fundamental violation of humanity.
Educate them about consent, showing them that respect for a person’s body is non-negotiable.
Encourage hard work and teach them the dignity of honest labor, no matter how small.
Host workshops that address toxic masculinity and redefine what it means to be "a real man."
Organize mentorship programs where positive male role models can guide boys on how to navigate life’s challenges with integrity.
Create safe spaces where boys can express their emotions and struggles without fear of judgment.
When we neglect the boy child, we inadvertently contribute to many of the world’s problems. Insecurity, corruption, kidnapping, and various forms of violence often stem from unresolved issues in men who were once neglected boys. These issues are not inherent to men but are learned behaviors that could have been addressed early on.
Conversely, when we raise boys with love, respect, and a strong moral compass, we pave the way for a generation of men who are compassionate leaders, loving partners, and responsible fathers.
The age-old saying goes, “Train a girl child today, and you’ll get a good mother tomorrow.” But what about, “Train a boy child today, and you’ll get a great father tomorrow”?
It’s time for society to recognize that the boy child is just as important as the girl child. Both need nurturing, guidance, and education to become the best versions of themselves. Let us stop excusing bad behavior in boys and instead teach them to be accountable. Let us celebrate their potential beyond their earning capacity and invest in their character, just as we do with girls.
This is not just about creating better men, it’s about creating a better world. Boys who are taught love will grow into men who spread it.
Boys who are taught respect will grow into men who embody it. And boys who are taught the value of life will grow into men who cherish it.
It’s time to give the boy child the care and attention he deserves. The future depends on it.
Blessing Iriaka
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