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.