While scanning Pinterest, I came across a list entitled " 15 Things A Mom Should Teach Her Boys", and it has my thinking. Before I say my thoughts, here is the list: 

 There are some key things your sons should know before they leave home. Here are my top 15.

1. The kitchen? Not just for girls. Learn to use a stove.

2. If a girl tries to change you she doesn’t really love you no matter how much you want her to.

3. Shower daily, keep your nails trim and use deodorant.

4. A dutch oven is never funny. EVER.

5. It is NEVER acceptable to break up with a girl over the phone.

6. Understand how to use basic tools.

7. When you ask a girl, “Is something wrong?” and she says, “No.” She’s lying.

8. The job of a stay-at-home mom is equally as hard as yours.

9. Table manners. Use them.

10. You will never know a stronger pull than that of your friends trying to get you to participate in their wrong doing. Resisting makes you a man. Succumbing makes you a coward.

11. NEVER use your fists to solve ANY dispute. One wrong punch could take a life and it could be yours.

12. Condoms will save your life.

13. Never use the word gay in a derogatory manner. It’s ignorant.

14. Sexting is a federal offense.

15. Real girls do not look like Victoria’s Secret models .

taken from:http://www.ooph.com/topics/health-image-behavior/653/15-things-boys-should-know-before-they-turn-18

Now, here are my two cents worth: I agree with EVERY SINGLE one of these. There are definitely a few more that I would add, and so my add ons are these:

16) Treat a woman the way you would want your mother or daughter to be treated. If you aren't thinking like this, there is someone else out there who is. 

17)Always think before you open your mouth. If you hesitate to say it, you probably shouldn't.

18) When you are arguing with someone you love- your mother, girlfriend, wife, sister, brother, dad- do not say anything mean you might regret later. Even though we may be tough on the outside, words still hurt. So use them wisely.

19) Spend time with the elderly- even if it's just your grandparents. Remember that an older generation has seen a lot more than you have, and can add some perspective. Besides, how cool is it to hear their life stories?!

20) 'For every action, there is a reaction.' Consequences. They are there. They happen. You have to live with them, and so do those who love you. Think twice before you do it. Period. 

21) The guys on Jackass aren't cool. They're idiots. Yea, it's all fun and games...Until someone gets hurt.

22) Respect. Yourself, others, elderly, girlfriends. Everyone.

23) Never give up on something you know you want. There will always be those who tell you that you aren't capable of it. Don't listen. Keep your head up, and keep reaching.

24) Learn to sew a button back on, or how to fix a split seam. 

25) Help. Around the house. At school. The less fortunate. Help. Volunteer. Be the person you would want your son or daughter to be proud to call you "Dad". 

I realize some of mine are kind of similar, but these are the 10 I would add to her list. These are things that I want T to grow up and do. This is the way that I want him to be. And, in order to get these results, we have to set the example. Lead by doing.