How do you encourage a boy who grew up fatherless to be strong? [I Love Family]

Probably a case by case situation. People respond differently to different things. But you did acknowledge the difference between most boys and girls. Doesn't mean they're both not capable of doing...whatever. But it's usually different. Because we're animals and we're hardwired for certain things.

Since I don't care if some kid calls me sexist, or thinks we're all the same, what I'd say is that you want to avoid doting on him, pampering him and try to convey that being a man (or even a boy) comes with certain responsibilities. Some examples could be, "Men do what they say they're going to do," "Men don't bully and they look out for those who are weaker or in need" and "Men don't quit and they don't whine."

While I don't know his age, I might consider giving him some "responsibilities" that push him in the direction of feeling like "a man." Like he's taking care of you because that's what a man does. And a personal thing for me, that I see a lot, is if a boy falls down or starts crying or being snotty, is that parents come unglued. The want everything in Little Johnny's life to be perfect and safe. The better call is to go with a "Suck it up" strategy. Don't give in to it. It's good for boys to be uncomfortable, to get dirty, to be pushed. If you're looking outside of what you can do as a parent, then sports is a GREAT thing for boys to get involved in. So many lessons. Good luck.

Teach him about different forms of strength. Not everything can be dealt with with just physical strength.

My brother came to the rescue with all my kids, especially my son, when my husband died. My son is a tough, sporty kid anyway but he did need someone to guide him with certain things, which are probably best dealt with by a man imho.
Good luck!

Just be there to support him

You let it fuel you to not make the same mistakes as he did

encouragement and support

Take him or get someone to take him out hunting, fishing, shooting, hiking and maybe rock hunting. Do not let some liberal candy ass have any influence on him or you will end up with a little gay crumpet.

I did had a dad but I didn't want to be like him nor follow and I avoid him much as possible.

Martial arts. It helps all this and more.

Need a surrogate father? Join the military 😆

I would find a mentor program for him