Raising the Men the World Needs: A Call to Fathers and Mothers
Raising young boys into the kind of men the world truly needs begins long before adulthood—it begins in their earliest years. We need to embrace the immense potential boys carry within them, nurturing their growth into strong, kind, discerning and purposeful men who honour God, love their families, and contribute to society.
In today’s world, our focus must be on equipping fathers, grandfathers, God-fathers, uncles, and other male role models to guide boys through the challenges they will face. At the same time, mothers also play a vital role in shaping their sons' character. Together, parents and the proverbial village provide the foundation for boys to grow into men characterised by leadership, good communication, responsibility, courage, and compassion.
Fathers, Your Role is Irreplaceable
A father’s time and presence are among the most powerful gifts he can give his son. Whether teaching him to fix a leaky tap, sharing a story from your childhood, or simply kicking a ball in the backyard, these moments are more than activities—they are life lessons. Boys watch, listen, and absorb action and character through time spent with their dads.
At our Academy, we encourage fathers to take an active role in teaching their sons the skills, wisdom, and virtues that will shape them into men of integrity.
Mothers, The Guiding Force
While this post focuses on fathers, we cannot forget the crucial role mothers also play in fostering compassion, faith, and emotional intelligence in their sons. Boys benefit immensely from seeing their mothers model strength combined with gentleness, creating a balance that helps them grow into well-rounded men.
Mothers, through daily interactions, teach boys how to communicate with kindness, respect, treat others with dignity, and navigate life’s challenges with perseverance and faith.
Boys Need Guidance to Become Men
Boys thrive when they’re shown a clear and positive vision of manhood. As they grow, they need guidance from their fathers in how to balance strength with gentleness, courage with humility, and independence with service to others.
We invite our community of fathers to join us in shaping the next generation of men. Additionally, mothers are encouraged to engage in conversations with their husbands, that reinforce the virtues we all aim to instill.
Practical Steps for Raising Boys
Here are some simple ways parents can start shaping their sons into the men the world needs:
- Fathers Teach Life Skills: From basic repairs to handling responsibilities, involve your son in learning practical tasks.
- Fathers Model Respect: Show your son how to treat others with kindness and dignity—especially women and those who are vulnerable.
- Fathers Spend Quality Time: Whether it’s a regular Saturday project, cooking together, or reading in the evenings, carve out intentional time to connect.
- Discuss Virtues: Talk openly about morals and traits such as honesty, discernment, perseverance, and humility. Use stories, Scripture, lives of the saints, or personal examples to bring these lessons to life.
A Partnership in Education
At St John of Kronstadt, we’re not just educating boys—we’re partnering with families to form the next generation of faithful, capable men. Together, through the combined efforts of fathers, mothers, and our community, we can raise young men who will positively impact their families, churches, and society.
Parents, this is your invitation: take the time to teach your sons, to shape their hearts and minds, and to walk with them as they grow. Your impact will echo in their lives for years to come.
Your sons—and the world—will thank you.
For more information about our Dad’s Fellowship and the Academy, contact us at
Stay tuned as next week we explore Raising the Women the World Needs.