Research shows that, from birth onwards, boys are more inclined towards risk-taking than girls, less reflective about any implications and therefore less thoughtful and cautious. Safer risk-taking can be encouraged by letting our sons know we care, by improving their thinking and reflective skills and, crucially, by ensuring that their responsibilities grow in line with their rights. Responsibility is important. Through it, we find out what we can do, we feel trusted, trustworthy and respected, and we gain in competence, which in itself contributes to safer risk-taking.

If you are a parent:

* When your son asks for more independence, try to give it to him; if the particular freedom he seeks causes problems, discuss an alternative change that will satisfy him – he’ll then have less need to struggle and prove himself
* Be aware of his co-ordination skills and physical strength, and keep his risk-taking in line with his physical abilities
* Rights matched by responsibilities can encourage safer behavior, but all boys, especially adolescents, will take risks at some point; talk to your son about safe risk-taking and trust, and set clear limits to his freedoms

If you are a teacher:

* Learning involves taking responsibility and risks; when kept in balance, these offer useful lessons for life
* Challenging boys, or those with low self-esteem, may respond well to being given special tasks and responsibilities
* Boys who undertake death-defying acts may be mirroring the irresponsibility they perceive in close adults; be attuned to the reasons behind high-risk behavior
* Address the pros and cons of risk-taking in PSE lessons and assemblies; explore the need for thrill and excitement and the role it plays

A boy should grow up with appropriate and increasing experience of responsibility, beginning with things like tidying up after himself, getting his school things ready and rinsing out his football and swimming outfits and equipment. Later, he can take reasonable and progressive responsibility for others, which also encourages task commitment. Nevertheless, the ability to take risks is important. Be tolerant of the mistakes your son will inevitably make while he’s learning to take responsibility.

Related posts:

1. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Make it Safe to Make Mistakes

2. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Let Him Grow Wings

3. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Nurture His Social Skills

4. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Don’t Make Approval Conditional on Good Behavior

5. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Let Him Impress You

6. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Teach Coping and Survival Skills

7. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Work to and From His Strengths

8. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Give Him Safe Time to Talk

9. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Offer Him Opportunities to Test Himself

10. The Basics of How to Parent Your Boys: Offer Him Safety, Security and Predictability