Rearing boys is hard. I mean they are these wonderful little creatures that are so filled with emotions (both good and bad) that sometimes they just seem to just burst with something so powerful that it can be overwhelming for them and those of us who love them. When a little (or big) boy loves he can love with such intensity that it can hurt just watching him express it and when a little boy is angry that intensity can be the same.
I have reared a girl, so I know girls can be hard as well…but these boys keep me bewildered most of the time. I am parenting by myself a lot as my husband travels, so I am really having to stretch and try to see what I need to teach and where I need to push without crushing their spirits. I know God created these young men in a very unique way to fulfill His plans…I just have to try to make sure that I build up the foundation that will help them in what God has planned for them…and that can be hard. My idea of how things should be is distinctly feminine so I have to try to see it from the male side of the room.
Boys can be rough, they can be rowdy and bawdy but they can also be soft, sweet, and so protective. They live in a world that bombards them with conflicting messages about what manhood should be. All at once they get messages that they should be tough and fearless and then the next thing they are inundated with the message that they must be sensitive and intuitive. It is hard to be a boy today. Even as a parent I find myself often sending mixed messages about being brave and bold but not too brave and not too bold. So many settings that are designed for children aren’t designed for the energy, creativity and unique perspective of boys.
Nothing must be more torturous that to take a 6 year old boy and tell him to sit quietly for hours on end. But, I have done it. I have expected my boys to tolerate situations with quiet manners that I am not sure my husband could even tolerate. I have pushed them when I should have just let them find their own way. I am sure I have embarrassed them more than once and I am sure I will again with my “Momminess.”
Amen, Sister! We Boy Moms had a very special job placed in front of us when God saw fit to bless us with little monsters! Keep up the (hard) good work!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post. I don't have any kids yet, much less sons, but I think males in general get a bad rep because it's a "man's world". Just like women are bombarded with constant images of what is feminine, so are guys (you just don't hear about it as often). My dad also traveled a lot so my mom was a single parent at times, but I'm sure her hands would've really been full with sons (and multiple kids in general) like you have, I was an only child.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! I relish in all the actions of my 6 year old because soon enough he will be too cool to love on his mama and be just a boy.
ReplyDeleteI'm still very new at rearing my boys but it is oh so fun and challenging at the same time. They are full of so much love and I try to cherish it everyday :)
ReplyDeleteLove this post! Amen! I've found with boys it's the most important to keep them busy. They need projects. I'm sure you've found the same. God Bless you Mama!
ReplyDeleteThis post is so true!! There is something so special about the relationship between a Mama and her boys though...the hard work is definitely worth it!!!
ReplyDeleteAmen, and AMEN! I love raising boys! There's always something amazing happening.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Lovely!!!
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