Tips for Raising Boys
I am a proud mom of two boys. My oldest just turned 11 and my youngest is 7. They have more energy than I can put into words, and they are a lot of fun. Life is never boring with my boys around, and there are some common themes from day to day that I thought would be helpful to share for those who don’t have boys yet or have very little boys.
I know some do not believe there are differences in boys and girls. I have read thoughts that it is all nurture and social norms that create the differences. I do think it is a combination of nature and nurture on how girls and boys act, but I have seen some distinct differences (in general) between the two genders that I think comes entirely from nature. The energy level of boys is so much higher than girls. They love to move and rough house and wrestle. They turn any toy they can find into a weapon and look for sticks to collect as swords wherever they are. Those are just a few things I’ve noticed.
I thought I would share some tips that I have learned since I became a boy mom in navigating the waters when it comes to raising boys. The below is not an exhaustive list by any means. I could probably write a book, and I might do that one day.
- Expect to laugh a lot – My boys have so much personality and fun ideas, and they make me laugh often.
- Have patience because you are going to need it. – My boys can drive me to the brink of insanity some days.
- Expect to hear talk of bodily functions EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. – No matter what we are discussing, it somehow always comes back around to either farts, toots, burps, or going #2.
- Expect your boys to bust out laughing at anything that reminds them of bodily functions.
- Expect your home to never be quiet. If it is, your probably want to go check on what your boys are up to. – My boys are VERY loud. Inside voice? What is that? If they are quiet, it is usually because they are up to no good.
- Don’t be afraid to let your boys be adventurous and try new things, things you might consider too dangerous. – My husband is a big help in this area. He encourages me to let them try things when I tend to want to say no.
- They will always be your little boys no matter how big they get.
- They can make you so angry one minute and then turnaround and melt your heart the very next minute.
- Boys love their mamas. – My boys are super protective of me, and I love it.
- Invest in a well stocked first aid kit because you will need it.
- Get used to messes. – My boys, especially my youngest, love to make messes. Anytime there is mud, my 7 year old will find it.
- Boys are super creative. – Art, music, crafts, Legos, construction, writing…I love seeing what they come up with.
- Speaking of Legos, they really hurt when you step on them with bare feet.
- Expect lots of questions about life…and bodily functions.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line for me is that I love my boys, and I love doing life with them. There is so much love in this Mama’s heart. I am proud to be my boys’ mom.
What are some Boy Mom tips you have? I would love to hear from you!
