Dear Family Coach: I'm raising three boys. The oldest is 15 years old, and the youngest is 10. Lately, there is example after example on the news of women being demeaned, groped or raped by men. I know from my own experience how often this occurs. How can I teach my boys to honor and respect women and keep their hands to themselves? — Concerned Mom

Dear Concerned: Women all over the country thank you for taking the time to think about how you are raising the next generation of men. It is a subject that deserves more of our collective attention.

Parents teach their children to say "please" and "thank you." Most parents want to see table manners and good etiquette. But how many parents actively teach their boys that women are equals and not pieces of meat? How many explain that women are not put on Earth to be dominated?

If you want to raise your boys to not grow up to be Brock Turner or Donald Trump, start by talking with them about your experiences. If you've been kissed or touched without permission, tell them how it feels in easily digestible words. If you have felt unsafe in a parking lot or when someone catcalls you, tell them. Let empathy start to build in your boys, so they know that being careless and demeaning to women hurts them.

Teach the boys that sex isn't a game. It may be uncomfortable, but break down the concepts of love and consensual relationships. Don't force your boys to hug or kiss anyone they don't want to. And show them that no means no. If there is a dad in the picture, get him on board. In fact, get grandpa, uncles and your father-in-law on board, too, to model respectful behavior toward women and have talks with the boys about how to treat women as equals.

Boys and girls are not born with notions that one sex is better or stronger or more worthy than the other. They learn that from parents, friends and society. And if that behavior is learned, it can be unlearned. Get started now.

Dear Family Coach: Our neighborhood is evolving into a close-knit community of kids who get together to play outside. These friendships are still relatively new, and my wife and I very much encourage them. But this playtime seems to take priority over dinnertime and homework. Should we be stricter about pulling our kids away from the fun, or let them eat when they're hungry? — Neighborhood Dad

Dear Dad: It's terrific to see your kids making friends. There is nothing better than children running around the neighborhood laughing, playing and having fun. But it's important to remember that as the parent you are continually required to set ground rules. Letting the kids decide when and where they want to eat will quickly evolve into a free for all. There will be a lack of valuing family time. Friends and play will take precedence over family and schoolwork. Give your children ample playtime, but when it's time to come in, it's time to come in. Period. No 15 more minutes. No "But Dad, can't we just finish the game?" Tomorrow they can pick up where they left off.

Dr. Catherine Pearlman, the founder of The Family Coach, LLC, advises parents on all matters of child rearing. To write to Dr. Pearlman, send her an email at questions@thefamilycoach.com. To find out more about Dr. Catherine Pearlman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.