October 20th 2024.
Melissa Ann Marie has a unique way of teaching her son about respecting women, and it has sparked quite the debate on social media. In a recent post on Instagram, the 31-year-old mother from San Diego shared a video of her 12-year-old son taking her on a "date." Yes, you heard that right - she gives him a $50 monthly allowance to plan a special outing for the two of them. But this isn't just for fun, as Melissa explains that it's her way of preparing her son for future dating experiences and teaching him important values.
In the caption of the video, Melissa shared her reasoning behind this unconventional approach. She believes that by helping her son plan and execute a date, she is teaching him etiquette and manners, while also giving him the opportunity to practice being thoughtful and creative with a limited budget. This idea was inspired by a friend who had done the same with her son, and Melissa has tried it a few times now.
On their latest "date," her son planned a trip to the cinema, followed by sushi and Boba tea, spending a total of $43. Melissa explained in the video that she makes her son plan the date, but they get to spend quality time together in the process. While Melissa saw this as a wholesome bonding experience, it quickly became a hot topic online, with the video receiving over half a million likes and thousands of comments ranging from supportive to critical.
Some users praised Melissa for teaching her son how to properly treat women, while others questioned the use of the word "date" and expressed concerns about the potential for a blurred line between family dynamics and romantic gestures. Melissa responded to the backlash in an interview with TV show Today, acknowledging the misunderstanding of the word "date" but standing behind her decision to use it. She believes that as a mother, it is her responsibility to raise her son to be a respectful and considerate man.
However, psychologist and sex and relationship advisor Barbara Santini points out that this approach may have unintended consequences. While it may seem like a way to teach respect, it could also lead to a transactional view of relationships and confuse the child about healthy boundaries. Instead, Barbara suggests that parents model respect and have open discussions about empathy and equality in relationships without attaching monetary incentives.
Ultimately, the goal is to teach young boys to see respect as something mutual and unconditional, not something that can be earned or exchanged for money. This can be achieved through consistent, everyday actions and by involving them in family activities where respect and care are naturally practiced. Melissa's intentions may be good, but it's important to consider the potential impact on her son's understanding of relationships.
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