Be a Better Husband and Father by Respecting Women and Children

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This posts stems from experiences that I had recently when my wife and I went to the Mariner's game. Let me explain. Despite having pretty good seats (down with the season ticket holders) we ended up sitting behind a group of single people, who were mostly men in their mid to late 20's (my age). Throughout the game they were loud, obviously intoxicated, and using profane language.  My issue with that is that there were women, children, and elderly all around them trying to enjoy the game. There was a time when we, as a society cared if we offended others, especially women and children; we respected them and didn't want to subject them to public intoxication or offensive language. When did we stop respecting women and children? This is just one example, I'm sure you've had experiences as well.

Since it seems men in general need to do a better job of respecting women and children (not just your wife and your children), I want to offer a couple of way we can do this:

• Our Words - It used to be improper to use profane or offensive language in front of women and children; times have changed (although I want to believe that society still says its improper in front of children, even though I've seen many instances to the contrary). Whether or not you use this kind of language with your buddys behind closed doors is beside the point (and perhaps a discussion for another day). In addition to profanity, it's important that we respect woman by not making sexist comments, or telling jokes that demean or over-sexualize women and their bodies. Be a Better Husband and Father by guarding your tongue around women and children and avoiding sexist commentary and inappropriately sexualizing women in your speech.

• Our Actions - Obviously our behavior is as important, if not more important, than our words.  I am not talking about major things like abuse (although it does seem like it is rampant these days), what I am talking about is the little things that show respect.  This includes: holding the door, allowing women to enter the elevator before you, giving up your seat on the bus to a woman standing in the aisle, volunteering in youth organizations, or even supporting children when they come to your door selling cookies or chocolate bars.  Be a Better Husband and Father by showing respect to women and children in our everyday behavior.

• Pornography  - Pornography is the most obvious sign of a lack of respect for women in society.  Pornography is a place where woman are no longer seen as daughter's of God, but are turned into objects for men's pleasures. When you respect women, they are not objects; you respect who they are as a person, not what they look like. Be a Better Husband and Father by avoiding Pornography in all forms.

When you respect woman and children it will make you a Better Husband and a Better Father.  This respect is especially important for those of you with son's - be an example to them and teach them how important it is to respect women.  As your sons grow they will always remember to respect women (I know this because my father taught me).

Hypocrisy Disclaimer: I want you all to remember as I write this blog that I am not an expert, nor do I think I am a great husband and father, but I write because I too want to be better.  Often its hard to get the point across without feeling like I am lecturing.  So as I encourage you to respect women and children, this is something I will continue to try to do better.