Growing up surrounded by girls, I never truly understood boys. My childhood was spent with my sister and our single mother, so the house was filled with feminine energy. While I had a few male friends over the years, my closest companion has always been my husband, whom I met in our youth. He taught me that boys aren’t just loud and messy; they have their tender sides as well.
When I first discovered I was expecting a boy, I was overwhelmed. The thought of raising a little one made of snips and snails and puppy dog tails felt daunting. However, the journey of raising two boys has been a thrilling adventure, full of lessons about them and myself. My eldest son, who is almost 9 now, continues to amaze me with his unique character and charm. Here are nine valuable lessons I’ve learned in my years of parenting boys:
- Diaper Direction Matters: I quickly learned the importance of keeping a baby boy’s penis positioned downward in the diaper. No matter how absorbent the diaper is, if not tucked in properly, expect some unexpected sprays. And once they figure out how to reach into their diaper, all bets are off!
- Boys are Surprisingly Resilient: Throughout the years, I often found myself asking my husband if certain boy behaviors were safe. Whether it’s twisting or pulling, the answer has always been yes. Boys are more robust than we sometimes give them credit for.
- Tears Are Normal: Contrary to the stereotype that boys should be tough, they cry for all sorts of reasons. It’s essential to validate their feelings when they’re upset. I make it a point to remind my boys that expressing emotions is a strength, not a weakness.
- Energy Levels are Off the Charts: While girls can be just as energetic, little boys seem to have a special knack for bouncing off the walls. If they’re cooped up indoors too long, they’ll find creative ways to climb and jump, which can be both exhausting and entertaining.
- Toys Don’t Have Gender: I never imposed any toy preferences on my boys. Surprisingly, they gravitated towards pink and purple toys early on, showing me that interests aren’t strictly tied to gender. It was refreshing to see them explore without boundaries.
- Bathroom Clean-Up is a Lifelong Task: After potty training, I thought we were done with bathroom messes, but boys of all ages can struggle with accuracy. I found that making them clean up after themselves is sometimes the best lesson—though I’m still working on the secret to success!
- Not All Boys Fit the Stereotype: I expected my boys to love mud and fart jokes, but it turns out some have their own preferences. Not all boys are into roughhousing, and that diversity is perfectly okay.
- Compassion Knows No Gender: My younger son, even at three, has a heart of gold. He can sense when I’m feeling low and offers comfort that melts my heart. Boys can be just as nurturing and kind as girls, and it’s essential to foster that sensitivity.
- Raising Future Men: Understanding that I am raising not just boys but future men has been a profound realization. The world needs more compassionate, respectful men. The more we nurture kindness in them, the better society will be.
The bond between a mother and her sons is truly unique. It’s a reciprocal relationship where we both learn and grow from each other. As challenging as parenting can be, my boys are the greatest joy of my life, and I cherish every moment with them.
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Summary
Parenting boys comes with its challenges and joys. From learning about their emotional depth to the reality of diaper direction, the journey is filled with surprises. Boys can embody both wild energy and tenderness, showing that stereotypes don’t define them. Ultimately, the goal is to raise compassionate, respectful men, nurturing their individuality along the way.
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