Motherhood: Mom-Teenage Son Conversations That Matter (6)

Helping Him Grow Into a Balanced, Emotionally Mature Man

He shouts when he’s frustrated. Slams the door when he’s angry. Goes silent when corrected. It may seem like normal teenage behavior, maybe mood swings. You know what? This is more than just mood swings. Because a boy who doesn’t learn to manage his emotions today can grow into a man who becomes emotionally unsafe tomorrow.

This is where we come in as mothers, take action, and do not overlook. Boys who aren’t taught how to handle their emotions don’t outgrow them—they carry them into adulthood. And the result is painful. They become men who shout at their wives, lash out at their children, and create fear instead of love in their homes. Their families suffer deeply. Wives grow distant. Children shut down emotionally. Some eventually walk away. And in old age, these men are left alone—reaping the fruit of years of emotional damage.

But it doesn’t stop at home. In society, such men often lose jobs, destroy friendships, fall into addiction, or even end up in jail—not because they’re evil, but because no one taught them how to respond instead of react. One emotional outburst can ruin years of hard work.

That’s why emotional training is not optional—it’s foundational. Let your son know that emotions are signals, not steering wheels. Real men don’t let their emotions; anger or sadness, control them. They pause, process, and respond with wisdom.

Ask him:
– “What are you really feeling?”
– “Why do you think you reacted that way?”
– “What could you do differently next time?”

Teach him that our Lord Jesus also had emotions —He wept, was grieved, and got angry. But he never let emotion lead Him away from purpose.

Also share with him the story of Joseph who was betrayed by his own brothers, falsely accused, and forgotten in prison. He had every reason to be angry, bitter, or take revenge. But Joseph didn’t allow his emotions to determine his reaction. He stayed focused and honored God. And in due time, God lifted him to a position of great leadership and influence.

Let him know that he is not weak because he feels emotions. He is strong when he refuses to let those emotions control him. Real strength is in mastering his feelings and managing the feelings of others around him —- that’s what maturity looks like. Pray for and with him.

Proverbs 16:32 —- Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit more than he who takes a city.”

……Let’s raise boys who grow into whole, wise men.🤜

Which is better: helping your son build emotional maturity—or simply teaching him to stay silent? Kindly share your thoughts.