It's a statistic that never ceases to amaze. Half of all marriages end in divorce. The question remains: How do you go from a lifetime vow to an early exit?
According to marriage.com, some main causes are lack of communication, arguing, and lack of intimacy (both physical and emotional).
One wise mom knew all of these pitfalls, and how she chose to help her children avoid them is like nothing you've ever seen before.
How One Mother Taught Her Sons to Be Great Husbands
In a TikTok post, artist Doug Weaver shared how his mother Mickey created a 'Husbands in Training' for him and his two older brothers when they were just kids to help them be great husbands when they got married.
One of the key topics was -- you guessed it -- conflict and communication.
"There were things like, 'What to do if your spouse says something and the information they give is wrong,'" he said. "How to handle it if they say something wrong in public versus in private, when it is appropriate to correct them and when it isn't."
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Weaver said that his mom also taught him and his brothers consent.
We talked about consent, we talked about the basics of respecting and honoring women and listening to women, and all of the things that really just make you a decent human being.
Doug Weaver
Other topics covered included eating etiquette and chivalry. He shared that when his father caught wind of it, he too 'enrolled' in Professor Mickey's course.
To top it all off, his mother even made certificates that she signed and gave to the boys on their wedding day.
How One Mother’s Course Sparked a Movement on TikTok
Weaver's video went viral, with over 5 million views, a million likes and 50,000 comments.
“Is your mother a goddess?" asked one.
Another said that successfully turning boys into men is not easy in this day and age.
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"So freaking cool! Glad your dad was self-aware enough to realize he needed it, too! This whole thing just makes me happy," added another.
It's such a huge responsibility to raise a boy because their ability to do good or damage is amplified due to their status in society.
Commenter
The response was motivation for Weaver to create his own 'Husbands in Training' venture to reach the masses. He created a GoFundMe to raise money for equipment, writing "the TT community really wants my mom to produce content about raising boys to be good men."
He raised $9,745, crushing his humble goal of $340. You can subscribe to Weaver's marriage MasterClass here.
How One Mom Proved That Being a Good Husband Takes Work
Weaver says that he hopes to pass down his mother's lessons to his own son.
I’m definitely raising my son to understand how consent works and that the necessity for consent doesn’t end when you get married, that things still need to be consensual.
Doug Weaver
We often get caught up in what we want to achieve: A nice car, a great job, and loving spouse. Yet, it's the person you become, not the things you want, that determines success in life.
That's one lesson you won't always learn at school.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.