58 Pieces of Wisdom I Hope My Sons Embrace

  1. Good friendships are invaluable; being a loyal friend, however, is essential.
  2. Women tend to have a superior sense of smell—just trust me on this one.
  3. Hiding your missteps only reveals weakness. True men take responsibility for their actions, offer sincere apologies, and strive to make amends.
  4. Avoid taking photos of your private parts; you never know when Grandma will find her way onto social media, and trust me, you don’t want to go there.
  5. Remember, your identity isn’t tied to your diet, your car, or your home. If you’re struggling with who you are, changing your surroundings won’t solve the issue.
  6. Cleanliness is appealing. Thoughtfulness is attractive. Being excessively drunk? Not so much.
  7. While video games may not turn you violent, they won’t enhance your role as a son, student, or friend. Play wisely and in moderation.
  8. Sleep won’t fix everything, but lack of it will certainly create new challenges.
  9. Set NYTimes.com as your homepage on all your devices; it will make you more informed.
  10. Junk food is for teenagers. By your 20s, your body will crave nourishing food—give it what it truly needs.
  11. Engaging in sports will bring you joy and health. Keep them as a part of your life.
  12. Selecting a life partner is among the most crucial decisions you will face. Balance your heart and mind when making this choice.
  13. If you question whether you can pull off a trendy style while shopping, the answer is likely no.
  14. Skimping on a haircut will lead to instant regret.
  15. Cherish your female friends—those who care for you but aren’t romantically involved will be some of the most significant people in your life. Treat them well.
  16. Never let your siblings down; they’re irreplaceable and will be your longest-lasting friends.
  17. If you sense your parents would disapprove of your actions, take a moment to reflect and ensure you can answer their concerns before proceeding.
  18. Your 20s are the perfect time to test your comfort with risk. Don’t shy away from exploring.
  19. Invest a little more in quality shampoo and deodorant; they are worth it.
  20. Keep two neatly pressed white shirts on hand; you never know when an interview or meeting with your girlfriend’s family might arise.
  21. Stock up on underwear; it will dictate your laundry routine.
  22. If you sleep with a girl, reach out to her the next day—even a simple emoji will do. And if you think of acting like you don’t know her, picture my face.
  23. Celebrate special occasions with thoughtful gifts; small gestures show a woman she’s on your mind. If she expresses disappointment over your spending, reconsider the relationship.
  24. When given the chance, strive to be the kind of boss, teacher, partner, and friend you’ve always wanted.
  25. Complete what you start, be it toothpaste tubes, meals, or promises to others and yourself.
  26. Your integrity is tied to your word. Anyone who tells you otherwise is only proving my point.
  27. Technology won’t bring happiness; the relationships it fosters will. Don’t confuse the two.
  28. If a woman tries to change you, run—unless it’s about hygiene, exercise, or diet; in that case, listen up.
  29. Your manners speak volumes about you and reflect on your upbringing. Don’t tarnish our family name.
  30. Life will inevitably let you down. People will too, including yourself. That’s what parents are for—to help navigate those disappointments.
  31. Men’s piercings will fade in popularity; don’t fall for the myth that they won’t.
  32. Aspirin, water, and black coffee can remedy numerous issues, either separately or together.
  33. When shopping with a woman, avoid blanket compliments. Instead, tell her what truly enhances her appearance—it’s a message she’ll appreciate.
  34. If your friends are rude, it’s likely you won’t be far behind. Choose your companions carefully.
  35. Treat your parents kindly; it may be a while before you can fund your own vacations.
  36. Respond to your mother’s texts promptly unless you want to risk her cutting off your phone service.
  37. Quality always trumps quantity when it comes to shoes and suits.
  38. Toothbrushes have an expiration date—don’t forget it.
  39. Learn how to swing a golf club, shoot pool, and cast a fishing rod. You’ll find these skills useful.
  40. Never use your physical size to bully anyone, male or female—unless it’s in sports. If you do, I’ll send you back to caveman days.
  41. Drugs will dull your mind, waste your money, and introduce you to unsavory individuals. They can also lead to legal trouble and develop into hard-to-break habits. Got it?
  42. Smile in every photo; you never know where it’ll end up.
  43. If you have a rash, cut, or burn, take a picture and text it. Moms are practically experts at diagnosing—even digitally.
  44. When you return home for a meal and laundry service, bring a positive attitude; these are not your inherent rights.
  45. Calling your parents for no reason is always a good move.
  46. If you only share your successes and never your struggles, no one will truly know you.
  47. Never assume anything about someone’s wealth, health, or happiness; we often misjudge.
  48. Put the toilet seat down—no debate, just do it.
  49. Your girlfriend or wife may be your closest friend, but living with her is different from living with your buddies. Adjust your behavior accordingly.
  50. Remember, the Internet is permanent—what you post is written in ink. Keep that in mind every time you type.
  51. If you think you’re ready for children but have doubts, start with a dog.
  52. No one is entirely prepared for parenthood; it’s always a leap of faith.
  53. Ideally, have children within 50 miles of at least one grandparent; emergencies are a regular part of parenting.
  54. A small gift for hosts will always be remembered and appreciated; never show up empty-handed for a dinner or weekend stay.
  55. Soon, you’ll have the opportunity to support those younger than you. Offer help generously and without hesitation.
  56. Acknowledge that you are shaped by your upbringing and education; show appreciation for your teachers and institutions.
  57. Don’t ignore your mail! While it seems old-fashioned, some letters require your attention. Letting them pile up leads to unpleasant surprises. Managing paperwork is one of adulthood’s unavoidable headaches.
  58. Be the kind of person others seek out for support in tough times. Those in distress often gravitate toward individuals with kind hearts.

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Summary

In this thoughtful guide, Jenna Markham shares 58 pieces of advice for her sons, touching on friendship, relationships, personal integrity, and practical life skills. From the importance of being a good friend to the need for open communication with family, these insights aim to help young men navigate life’s challenges while remaining true to themselves. The piece emphasizes the value of quality relationships, the significance of honesty, and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions.

Keyphrase: Parenting advice for sons
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