Raising Respectable Sons and Treasured Daughters

What if the relational needs men and women experience in adulthood have roots that begin forming much earlier? Inspired by Ephesians 5 and the themes of love and respect, Dr. Mike Ayers explores the unique role fathers play in helping sons become men worthy of respect and daughters grow up knowing they are deeply treasured. He also considers the other side of that formation—teaching boys to honor and treasure women and helping girls recognize and respect healthy masculinity. Through personal stories and practical insights, Mike looks at how dads can cultivate competence, confidence, character, security, and unconditional love without reducing boys and girls to stereotypes. Our children won’t suddenly learn how to give and receive healthy love and respect when they become adults. Those capacities are being formed now—and Dad has an important role in shaping them.