What They Don’t Tell Fathers About Raising Sons 

I'm a trained counsellor and psychologist and this may be the best most well balanced take on masculinity, raising sons and the responsibility that fathers have towards our boys.

"Learning to stand for what is right, even when it costs you something, is the hallmark of a good man" -Nick

Im a 53 year old “Man among Men”, masculine and rugged. Strong survivor of a broken home, abuse and child molestation. Im also a survivor of military service, and a (now resigned) fire fighter. I’ve lived a mans life. And yet without the kind of paternal guidance shown here i had no idea that i had failed my children, and in so many ways, until it was too late. Something that i can only fully see now in retrospect. I sit here and type thru the blur of tears and wish id heard this 35 years ago You’re some sort of guru sir, and the calibre of man i only thought i was

I need more of this!!! I’m a father to three cubs and a daughter. No one is willing to speak about raising boys like this, but it is so needed now. Thank you!

The most touching line for me is this - "for those who do not have that it's a legacy that you begin. And there is something truly noble about a man who overcomes the absence of their own father to ensure that their son does not suffer the same loss..." Merci, Nick.

I had a very weak father and a controlling, manipulative, smothering mother. I can confirm that if you’re not presented with challenges you have to overcome in spite of pain, fear, and discomfort, you DO remain a boy. When my parents died I was woefully unprepared. I’m 43, and I’ve got the life experience of a 24 year old. But I am making progress, and slowly learning. Thankfully, I have another father in heaven who hasn’t forgotten about me. EDIT: Didn’t expect this to get this much attention. But since it has.. some of the things that have helped me may help you as well. RU-vidrs like Nick. The lectures of Jordan Peterson. A book I found particularly helpful was No More Mr Nice Guy by Dr Robert Glover. Very helpful for understanding and overcoming the root of my problem: believing that masculinity is somehow inherently bad and should be suppressed rather than nurtured.

"There is something truly noble about a man who overcomes the absence of their own father to ensure that their son doesn't suffer the same loss" - These words hit home, I am a father to a son and my father willingly left my mother and brother early in life. I don't have a template to look to but I will raise this boy

This is exactly what I needed to hear. I had no one to show me how to be a husband or a father, at least until I was 10 then my stepfather came along and had shown me what respect looks like. I’m a father of sons and a daughter and I’m trying so patiently teach them what their values are in their roles. I’ve listened to this every day on my drive home from work and when I pull into the driveway I say to myself, be present, be the light, don’t be a jerk and my hurt isn’t their hurt. And it’s been working as sometimes I have trouble shaking off my day. Thank you for this. I know this comment will slip through the cracks but this one is specifically for you to read if you do see it.

"For those who were blessed with fathers and grandfathers who showed us the way, its a legacy that you preserve. And for those who do not have that, its a legacy you begin".

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭6‬ ‭ Thanks for this encouragement Nick

I just turned 60 last week. I'm a husband of 38 years, a Father of three adult children, and a Grandfather of four. Yes, I capitalize those titles. Not because of anything I've done, but in honor of the Fathers and Grandfathers who taught me, whom I still strive to emulate. My two brothers and me were raised by both parents and our grandparents on my Father's side lived across the street. All four were instrumental in making me who I am today, the wonderful adults our children have grown up to be, and, prayerfully, in the adults my grandchildren will one day become. My Father got up before everyone else and went to work every day in a U. S. Army ammunition plant where he worked for 34 years. He still made time for us boys. My Mother stayed home and raised us till we all were in school. Then she took a job. Dad and Papaw taught us so much. By the time we graduated high school, my brothers and me had learned to roof a house, paint a house, overhaul an engine, maintain a home, maintain a vehicle, raise a garden, maintain a yard, help our neighbors, and carry our own weight. Mom and Granny taught us how to cook, how to mend clothes, how to sew and crochet, how to launder, fold, and iron our clothes. Also, how to can and freeze our garden vegetables and wild berries picked in season. And how to sweep and mop the floor, take out the trash, and change a diaper. We got our share of whippings. We earned them all and often reflect on how thankful we are for every one we got. We learned to love, protect, and preserve family. To respect and honor women and our elders. We learned to value our freedom and those who earned it and preserve it. We learned to vote and to be responsible citizens who contribute to our community, not take from it. We learned how to work hard and enjoy abundant, fulfilling, joyful living. I'm glad your videos and shorts showed up on my feed. And I hope you do get to enjoy the unequaled joy of becoming a Grandfather and the precious moments and memories that come as you enter your golden years. We're so blessed that all our adult children are well adjusted, responsible adults, citizens, and parents and all have good careers. They all share the beliefs and values handed down through our family for decades. Together, we all are passing them on to our grandchildren who are very receptive at their current ages. We all, however, are very aware of the challenges that exist in raising them in our current world where so many bad influences, wrong information, and political agendas are being thrust at them when children should NEVER have to deal with such things. May God continue to richly bless you and yours. Please keep your videos coming. Our country and the world needs the truth you are speaking and the laughter your shorts inspire as they also teach.

As a single mother I did everything I could to have my sons around good men,... I had them in sports. I took them to a chess club. I even went on an eagle watch with my sons. Sons need their father's & good male role models. . I also promised them if I spoke bad about their father, I would put a dollar in our pizza fund. Adolescents is confusing, stay strong, they're learning to fly on their own.

You need to tell single moms how to raise sons. There are way too many boys being raised only by women. I raised mine, but I had to step back regularly and figure out how to show him what he needed to know about being a good man.

We had six sons. The amount of times my husband would take me aside and tell me what to do or not do about different situations that arose with our sons. Every time he was spot on and I was glad I paid attention to his advice.

As a child my life was brutal, until the age of 12, then homelessness until 17, at the age of thirty I had a son, he is now 33, and I have from time to time questioned if I had done enough, I stumbled across your post by accident, and all the values you have highlighted are pretty much the ones I’ve Shared with my son, and I am truly proud of him, he is now a father himself, and i watch him with his daughter, and he does all the things I used to do with him as a child. He absolutely touches my soul, so thank you for your post, great advice. :-)

This can be applied to women and to our daughters. Very well explained. Raising men and women of honor is truly a noble thing in deed.

As a new dad with a son this advice is a great starting point.

As a father of 1 son & 3 daughters, you are 100% correct.

This video is incredible. My own husband is a man forging his own legacy for our sons. When we were expecting our first child, he was terrified. His own dad has walked out, leaving his mom with 3 kids under the age of five (my husband being the oldest). He was scared of turning into his father. We had long talks around the fact he knew what kind of father he didn't want to be, and that's a good place to start. It has been wonderful to watch him be an incredible Dad to our sons. Not just a father, but a Dad.

I honestly desperately needed to hear this video. My son is 4 and it feels like I've kinda just been present in his life. I dont know what im doing, and I have no idea what a father is supposed to be. My dad sat in his room high off his gourd on prescription pills after my mom died and i just raised myself. So thank you for this. It felt like the first actual guidance and advice I've ever heard since i became a dad.

I grew up without a father, and now my wife and I have been blessed with a son. I've worried no end that I won't be able to show him the right path, but you talking about the nobility of fatherless men setting their own legacy for their sons, really hit a cord. It made me realise that I do have it within myself to guide him. Thank you!

I'm a father of two sons and a USMC vet. One 21, the other 17. I can relate to Nick's story and lesson. They were luckily born after my discharge from the Corps. I'm proud of the honorable Godly men they are quickly becoming.

The fact that this is probably your most viewed video tells us all that we have a father figure issue in America. You send a powerfully truthful message in this video. Its what we all need to hear. Great fathers can make America great again.

I appreciate this so much. I was a single mom of 5 for a while. My husband passed away within weeks of returning home from his 2nd tour in Iraq. We were 25 and had 5 kids who were all 7 and under. I did my very best but I realized quickly that there were things I could do to help them grow to be good men but there was no way I could teach them everything they needed to know because I have no idea what being a man really is. Thank God 3 years later I met a really good man who stepped up and knew exactly what to do.

As a boy who learned how to be a man in his 20's, I cant thank men like yourself, JBP, and Jocko enough. Keep pushing the message and help this nation repair the problems that start at home. You are a guiding light in the ever growing darkness!

As a man that never really had a father figure in his life, had to start doing everything on my own, because I didn't have a good male role model, I started doing better much later in life than I should have. And now as the proud father of a little girl and the wife currently pregnant with our second kid(we don't know what it is yet). I've learned that how you treat the mother is how my daughter will think she should be treated. So I try to make sure love, laughter, safety, and respect. Your fatherly advice is incredible. Thank you. Edit: we ended up losing the pregnancy. Miscarried at 9 weeks. But a note to all parents: if you never had a good mother or father, let it start with you. Be the parent you needed. Thank you Mr. Freitas

I am a father to a 4 month old boy and am getting ahead of myself. But wanting to raise a strong Godly man in this weakening world has become one of the few things that matter to me in my life. I have loved your YT shorts, but actually listening to your longer form videos, I feel inspired.

I would give 50 million thumbs up if I could. You have hit a grand slam with your effective and heart dealt delivery. And, of course, the message is on point.

I'm sending this to my son. He is a very hardworking young man at only 23. He's a husband and Father to my grandson (3) and granddaughter (5 months). He is an amazing Christian man. Thank you for this Nick. God bless you and your family. 🙏

Can we have more good men and father like this? We need more men who will stand for truth, integrity, and honor.

Growing up without this i was determined to give this to my sons. One day I said to their mother, did you see his caring and bravery? She replied, he's watched you. That moment I realized how important this is.

In a time and place where denigrating males and masculinity is permissible, even encouraged, it is so refreshing to hear constructive, optimistic advice, delivered with kindness and wisdom. It is sorely needed. Thank you.

My sons Dad died 18 months ago. I now have a 12 year old boy to raise alone (the Grandfathers are elderly). I pray that I either find a way to help him become the best kind of man with the help of good men in the community and / or I am graced with a good man.

Beautiful message Nick. I am a mother of a daughter. My brother did not have this type of relationship with our father. I can only imagine how different his life would have been. Thank you for helping men to be better fathers and understanding why.

Thank You. I'm a Dad of an 11 year old boy and my Dad was MIA growing up so I really don't know what I'm doing. All I know is I want to be everything my son needs me to be to ensure he becomes a Godly, Honorable man. A gentle man that can be dangerous when necessary and tenderhearted to those in need. A sheep dog. Your video was very timely and inspired me deeply. Thank you for your time and effort.

As a father, you are not your son's best friend. That's not your job. He will have a best friend and it won't be you. Dad your job is to be a compass point, you are their north. You are there to give them direction to navigate life.

Learning to deal with the cost of making tough decisions and being satisfied with the results is quite possibly the most expensive and most valuable lesson a man can learn.

My Dad passed away 4 yrs ago…husband, father, provider, 20 yr combat veteran, a “stop talking about it and DO it!” kind of man. I now have grandkids of my own - I miss my Dad every day. He would have really liked you, Sir…a lot!! Thank you for this Post- thrilled to be new Subscriber 🇺🇸❣️🇺🇸

I absolutely love this. My son is the best man I know. We're best friends. Our relationship was built on mutual respect and still forms the cornerstone of our bond. He's frequently been the guy who stepped in to protect others, often a great personal risk. I couldn't be more proud! I think a part of the problem we currently face in society is weak men raising worse boys and/or mothers not understanding the points to eloquently raise here.

I love this advice. I am a mother of two boys and a girl. I feel the need to train my daughter this way as well. I want her to also be able to stand up for what is right even when it is hard. And I want her to grow up to be a strong, confident, responsible woman.

Those are words to live by. I never even thought about being a granddad and my oldest son is 20 now. Thanks for the perspective

Powerful. The best moment I had with my eldest son when he and his wife had announced they were pregnant with my 2nd grandson. I congratulated them, and complimented how great this little guy would have it being born to such caring and wonderful parents. My sons and daughter experienced a bitter divorce between their father and me and the huge fights of him trying to erase me subsequent to out divorce to our then 3 kids because he wanted to move on with his girlfriends/wives replacing me as their mother every turn. My son took me aside and said it was because of something I said when he was worried with the birth of his first boy. He said "Mom, you said to me, be the father to this little guy that I always wanted and didn't get". It still makes me break out in tears to this day.

Wow. 39 years old father of four young boys here and this video just gave me the chills. What a responsibility we have. Take it serious. And put God first to train your boys in righteousness and not just toughness

I’ve found that reading the Bible with him daily more than makes up for any shortfalls I have in my parenting.

As a person who grew up without a father I never realized what I was missing. You are right that we should stand up for what we believe is right and be ready to face challenges instead of always trying to be in safety like my mom wants

I’ve never been a father but as the youngest of six boys, and a scientist by profession I’ve made some interesting observations on the subject of rearing well adjusted young men. Boys need training in three skills to become men: combat, dance, and music. Let me explain. Combat, in my case traditional Japanese martial arts, teaches young men the capabilities of their own body. It also helps develop strength, endurance, coordination, tactical awareness, and most importantly provides them with the tools to defend themselves or those they love should the need ever arise. Dance, specifically partnered dance styles like swing or ballroom continue to teach coordination while at the same time teaching the importance of communication, especially non verbal communication through the principles of leading and following. It also has the added bonus of teaching young men how to appropriately interact with women respectfully, allowing them to be intimate in a non sexual manner. Music teaches young men to appreciate beauty. You can of course gain this appreciation through many forms of art (painting, drawing, sculpture, literature, poetry, etc) but with regards to evoking visceral emotional reaction all art aspires to be music. Lastly all of these skills require discipline, persistence, and maturity to develop, master, and appreciate respectively. Let’s bring back martial arts dojos, dance halls, and music classes. Maybe then we can start racing a new generation of actual men.

Thank you, Nick, for this awesome video. There was far too much destruction my ex wife caused through forcing a divorce just to be the mother and the father to our two sons to state here, but this has been a torture for me these past 15 years from when my sons were 6 and 8. I was stripped by "the system" from being able to teach my sons very little about what they needed to learn, and of course a mother cannot teach them these things. Finally, 7 years ago my sons told me they never want to see me again. Now they are 23 and 21. Now it is up to them and God to learn these lessons. Therefore, blessings to the families which stay together because it is the right thing to do.

As a father of a toddler and with another one on the way this is exactly what I was looking for. I've been studying and learning with interacting with my son and picking up pieces of knowledge along the way. You said exactly what I have been envisioning what a father is and what I need to do to prepare my son for what the world is and not what the world should be for him. Pure, raw, real, gold wisdom.

After 42 yrs working with youth & families, I thank you for so effectively demonstrating life so accurately through truth & so lovingly.

Just discovered you Nick. Im at work in tears in front of my coworker lol. That was amazing and truely resonated with me. I have two little boys, 7 and 2. I can only go on how my grandfather was with me. But finding people like you is a big help. Thank you. Sending love and positive vibes from Ontario Canada 🍁!

Exactly 💯 there's so many Boys who think they are a Man. Good for you, God Bless you for being a good Dad and a great Man

i got 3 boys and a mystery number 4 on the way. strong dads raise strong kids. a strong marriage is key. spending time with your boys and the family as a whole is the most important thing. Lead by example is important too. the see me work, they see me maintain the house, they know i am here to provide and protect and they know i wont help them with anything they can do themselves. Encourage your boys to explore, invent, and stand strong when its needed. love the content.

Spot on... he is pointing out something EXTREMELY important to all families... Fathers just like mothers are essential. It just isn't a healthy family without BOTH. Role's are drastically different but BOTH are necessary for raising good, STRONG and healthy children that WILL be the foundation of our next generation of families. When families fall apart? Society isn't far behind...

The way a father treats the mother of his child sets a foundational example for the son. Demonstrating love, respect, protection, and provision teaches him not only how to treat women but also establishes standards for his own behavior and relationships. It's a powerful lesson in respect and the importance of treating others with care and dignity.

I have 5 sons 18-37 .. they are all doing well .. i raised them on Old School values .. I couldn’t agree more

Though my husband was in the home, worked & brought the money home, he did what his Dad did before. Came home, watched TV & seldom responded as a husband & Dad😢 I found out his Dad used discipline as a time to beat his son😢 My prayer was that my husband would have the healing he needed to know who he was in Yahweh in order to take his place as the Hubby & Dad I knew he could be. I was sad that his healing didn't come before he went to heaven, yet I know the healing took place there for him. I pray for the healing to take place in my kids while we still have a chance to be the family Yahweh created us to have.

You're spot on. Unfortunatly, my kids were raised in an abusive environment. My kids were not taught respect for their mother. Mom was determined to keep her family together instead of just another family torn asunder. Today, all these years later mom is a grandmother of many years who prays for healing every day for her family, one that still remains a family even though we have our issues. Love covers a multitude of sins but the regret remains. ❤

Nick so well said. don't forget the parable of the wheel - the boy is the hub ...your role as father is to make sure the spokes of your son's wheel must role smooth as he grows and matures. This will require growth along the spokes of life - spiritual, physical, mental emotional and social. God Bless. 29 years US Army

I was at times hard on both my son and daughter. All I can say is that to this day I still see the results of those efforts. Like you, I am so proud of the fine Americans they have both become. It’s funny in a way but they now inspire me to be a better man. I thank the Lord almighty for this experience.

Nick, brother, what wonderful advice to fathers of boys. I, like you, was blessed with beautiful daughters (3 of them) before having a son. I so wanted a trio of daughters and was thrilled to be granted that desire. But you're correct, there's something inside every man that desires a son. When Gideon was born just over a year ago, I felt something that I'd never felt before. Additionally, I was able to watch his bond with my wife that is so similar to the bond that I have with his older sisters. Even at 1 year old, he already loves roughhousing with me. I pray that God will continue to equip me to be the godly example that I need to be for Gideon. Thank you for the godly example that you are, Nick.

You are 100% correct! This is going on my FB page if you don't mind! Thank you for having the courage to STAND FIRM!!!

i wish my parents would have thought about this kind of things. i am 28 now and still struggle with a lot of demons that are created from my raising. i was homeless totally burned out and had just the chance to learn this things the hard and long way. a lot of them recently even if i am "old" . everything is temporary, so time is the only thing we really have and i have still a long way to go. would like to use my time properly and not just with fighting myself. will try to be a good father for my future kids so that they can use more of there time they have ob earth. inner strength is hard to acquire when you are old and messed up and good too be teached early. good luck for everyone that is struggling to, hope you overcome these things soon.

I am a father of two healthy large (I'm dutch btw, so like really large ;) ) and pretty strong boys. And boy does this resonate with me. At the age of 4, we started doing lego, puzzles and board games. Building, solving problems and learning how to loose. At age 5 we started roughhousing and boy did he LOVE it the first time I stomped him in the gut. It took only two seconds from disbelieve to sheer joy. And throughout the last year or so does he take on his younger brother in the same games, teaching him the skills I taught him, being surprisingly gentle and forgiving when it comes to loosing. He's now six and he builds lego like crazy, solves 160 piece puzzles and loves to do swordplay with his younger brother. So I consider myself fairly well on track raising my sons. However last weekend I've realized I've been somewhat neglecting my duties (due to sickness in the family). I just had my morning walk, earlier then normal, and I've just listened to this and another motivational video. And I said to myself, this sulking stops here and now. So I asked "who wants to go to the bob the builder store" and they jumped on it. They just love to built. So we went to buy some tools and materials I needed to finish the shed I was building (and postponing), We bought a hardhat (I couldn't resist that awesome happy look on his face) and the three of us spend the entire afternoon building the doors for the shed. It took like three times as much time as you would expect from a 4 and 6 year old, but I even won the battle between building with dad and iPad time. It really invigorated me and although I would probably have gotten back on track eventually, these videos do help to give me that extra push from time to time. Best thing of all? My wife could go on her merry way, visiting a friend to get her mind off family. So no burden for my wife there. However when she came home she saw us in the garden so she sneaked upstairs. Apparently she sat there and watched us build the doors for almost half an hour until she couldn't resist her urges to give us a hug only mamma can give ☺

This made me cry. I wish all fathers were like this. My son prays for a new daddy all the time. He’s 32 with Down syndrome. Breaks my heart that his dad has seen him once in 10 years.

It takes a father to bring a boy to manhood. I enjoyed this. Thank you.

Here, at last,is an example of the beginning of a balance between men and women . The father/mother unit provides complete wholeness. Each has strengths that support the lack in the other. When they cooperate with each other a circle is unbreakable and capable of making their children resilient and whole and productive ; capable of giving and receiving love. Keep on, Nick.

Seeds of love, compassion and caring are planted with the mother. It's up to the father to teach the son how to weather the storms and still hold his head up high.

My father was in prison since i was 4. Got out a few year ago. Turning 30 this year, 4 yo daughter and son on the way. This is what i constantly think about. Im strict with my daughter but she knows i love her. Playing, watching movies, spending time, etc. Now w a son on the way......its hard for me seeing i didnt have a blueprint but im glad i found your channel. This vid hit home w me. Thank you.

Tears streaming down my face as I hear your true, right, godly words.

I was, my sons were, and they are, raising their sons like men. My father was my hero.

This is the best talk I have ever experienced. As a father of a 6 year old boy, Thank you.

As a young man, maybe still a bit of a boy, at age 32, who had no father figure just a father person, I really apreciated your words. I am working to become a man and be that proper role model for my future son. I wish no boy ever missed on having a father and part of my social contribution is aimed at that, just as you are doing with videos like these. Keep up the good work.

I wish more of us could have had dads like this. But I never use that as an excuse but motivation to forge my path and this was honestly a nice reminder of those goals. Idk if you read this or not Mr. Freitas but thank you for the reminder.

Mr. Freitas, I wish every young father could hear this. I am 53, but remember well the lessons and wisdom my father passed on to me. My sons are now grown, 28 and 22, and I am proud of those two young men. Well spoken words of wisdom sir.

I don't have a son (and am honestly OK with that.....my 3 girls are more than enough) BUT I still deeply appreciate this advice. Well said.

I had a father, he died when I was 35. All what you said was actually achieved for me by my mother, he was there only being proud of me, silently proud. What better could it be the life of a man except silently being proud of his son.

Dad of 1 son and 2 daughters... got a dad, but the kind who beat you up until you can defend or you leave. Can say that you enlightened me with the legacy topic. Thanks

The most ferocious dragon my son had to slay, was coming to terms with the fact that his father did not wánt to be in his life in any way, shape or form. It left a life-long impact on him no matter what I said or did to lesson the rejection he experienced. He is scarred for life, but has grown into a man I admire beyond measure. I will be sure to pass on your invaluable insights on what it means to be a real father, so that he can start the legacy for/with his own family. Thank you so much.

I my son is just turned 10 and a few months ago I had the same situation. He came at me hard… I was so proud of him!

Thank you for sharing this video/bit of advice. As a new father myself to a 1y.o i am amazed each day how my boy mimicks me and am careful to constantly be a good role model. To my surprise one day his mother and i were hugging ane laughing and i had never seen such a big smile and laughter with glistening eyes come from our boy. It got us so happy and made us realize even more how important it is to laugh smile and show love in front of him.

It brought me to tears listening to this. I can't say enough how moved I was to hear this from a man. I raised my family on my own and I took them to their grandparents house as often as I could, so they could learn from watching and doing things on the farm. Lesson on responsibility, accountability, respect, and love. They worked hard, played hard, worshiped hard and lived loved. Thank you for being a real dad

As a father of two sons and a brother of three. Thank You Nick, for the wise words.

"return to the old paths". A wise man. I wish it would be again a time where men would stand up for their families.

This is greatly appreciated as someone who is expecting her fifth son. Our oldest is 12. One of the hardest things is to step aside and observe my husband model masculine behavior and remain in the background while he instructs and reprimands. There are a few times that I have intervened or spoken over him, and I instantly see the reverence that our boys have for him waiver.

Nick, thank you very much for producing this. As I write this, I'm fighting tears. My father failed to fight hard enough, and I never got to learn this lesson from my mother, despite her heroic struggles to do right by me. I then had a son with a woman who literally fought against my desire to be a father for my son, so hard and nasty that he's stopped talking to me in fear of losing her favor, and I cry most nights thinking I've failed him. Please PLEASE don't ever take these messages down, SUPER please keep spreading your message. Maybe there's hope for other fathers and sons to find this before it's too late. Thank you.

Such a moving message that brought me to tears as a new father. Thank you Nick. 😢

As a SM of a teen son, who does *not* believe I am "both mother and father" bc there is no way for one to fill the role of someone they are not, I thank you for this as well. It tells me I have been on the right track and has helped me to straighten the course where I see I needed to add a dimension.

well put (as usual) why isn't your channel blowing up? you're content is GREAT. you continually produce content that younger men need desperately. i want more people to view it, and digest it. thanks for what you're doing

This absolutely hit home. Thank you for such wise words. Makes me feel good inside to know I’m on the right path with my son. 🙏🏽

Beautifully stated!! I can relate on so many levels, both as a son and as a father to a 9yo boy. This hits home like a grand slam! Well done! Integrity is at the core of being a man. Subscribed. 💪🏽

Bravo, Nick. This spoke to me in a way that I didn't expect. Respect for your son for standing up to his friends touched a deep place within you it seems. Well done, sir, and thank you for your service.

Thanks Nick for the advice. In my case, I had been aware that my dad is not an example I want to follow. He's not a bad dude but a coward who never step out of the comfort of the shadow of his parents control. I know that my Grandparents from that side of the family are abusive and manipulative but at the same time it come a point in which you stop being a victim and also become an abuser. I decided it was going to end with me. I don't want that kind of attitude for my children when I have them. Therefore, I had been going with a psychologist to unlearn all those toxic behaviors I had picked up with the years and become a better person.

HOLY SH!T!!!!!! This couldn’t be more relevant and MORE IMPORTANT to what is truly happening right now in life and in are time across the world. THANK YOU for this reminder, THANK YOU for this push. Dear god so this is so important!!!!!

Thank you for making this video. I needed this.

Love it. I've fairly successfully raised 2 young men (21 & 20) & people have asked me how I did it...well #1 was the grace of God covering my errors, but #2 was, as I tell others & as I've told them, I wasn't trying to raise "good boys," I was trying to raise responsible men. At 21 & and 20, the case isn't closed, but it looks good so far.

I got goosbumps and chills from hearing your praise to your son and "passing his first test"

It is very rare that 10 minutes on RU-vid are so rich of meaningful words and actionable advice. Thank you Nick, subscribed and looking forward to more

This was such a delight to listen to. I'm not even sure what exactly they were talking about. Something about how to have a marriage, Canadian protests and bank account freezing, why not to have a marriage, but what I'll remember is how Bill Maher was a SHY KID! I just can't believe it! Both men are a treasure trove of wisdom and fun and truth and I hope they will do their thing for a long time to come.

I lost my dad at 16. My boy is 14. My mom is awesome. He was a good man but his time on earth was short. he was there for me to get my drivers license at least but shortly after that it was over. there were a ton of things I had to learn on my own. Pretty much everything about being man. Shaving, girls, adversity within employment etc etc. you name it. All I had to go off of is what I’d seen. looking back (I’m 43 now), it was a cluster fuk. Anyone else done dope for over a decade? Bless my mother but I pretty much went into self destruct mode. The shit I put her thru was insane. I never hurt a soul, but my own. We’ve since reconciled that fact. Every fuking day I try and teach my boy at lest last one thing as I understand my time is not guaranteed. I find your vids helpful and inspirational in charting a path. Thank you sir for that

It's videos like this when a single thumbs up isn't enough. Listening about brought tears to my eyes. It's that good. Thank you for sharing it with us all 👊