In an age of male misconduct, a mother speaks for chivalry

Revelations about the inappropriate behavior of powerful men dominate the news these days.

As parents, this is an opportune time for us to intentionally train our sons to be gentlemen — honest, valorous and loving. But raising boys who embody these characteristics can seem daunting and overwhelming.

In “Knights in Training: Ten Principles for Raising Honorable, Courageous and Compassionate Boys,” Heather Haupt shares her experiences as the mother of three sons through the lens of chivalry, a code of conduct similar to that of medieval knights.Haupt challenges parents to help their sons to overcome the entitled, impolite, disengaged and dependent stereotypes of young men in today’s culture.

Parents, she writes, can embrace the unique traits inherent in boys and can — through imagination and playtime — appeal to boys’ need for adventure, their impulse to move and their eagerness to show off their strength in a way that helps them practice chivalric ideals.

She offers 10 principles, a “Knight’s Code of Chivalry,” and suggests practical ways for parents to teach, model and apply each one. Haupt does not support her claims with Scripture, though her Code echoes Christian principles such as honoring God, obedience, honesty, defending the weak, respecting others and generosity.

Haupt provides a link to an online “Code of Chivalry” poster and progress chart. The book also includes a list of age-appropriate chores and book recommendations that emphasize adventure, chivalry and character.

Mandy Nevius lives in Broken Arrow, Okla., with her husband, Drew, and their son, Cedar. They worship with the Park Plaza Church of Christ in Tulsa, Okla.

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Filed under: chivalry raising boys Reviews