12 Things on Raising a Boy

I seem to like lists. I feel comfortable when I have a list in front of me. It is, though, on my list to loosen my grip on my need to have a list.

Continuing my list of what I have learnt I move on to raising a son. In my house we are on birthday count down as my son will be 12 this week. So have I learnt anything about having a boy? Here are my 12 things I have learnt about bringing up a boy. These lessons have not only shaped my parenting but have also given me some unique perspectives when compared to raising a girl. While there are certainly overlaps, the differences can be quite striking, leading to a blend of strategies and insights. In fact, incorporating some raising a girl insights has enriched my understanding of emotional expression and communication.

1 – Getting a cat to have shower is easier than getting a boy in the shower.

2 – Boys like mud, trees and anything that involves fighting kicks. Combine all three and you’re the best mum in the world.

3 – Homework and a boy is not a happy combination. There are tears and frustration and not always just from him. Oh and they never have a pen. It’s as if the homework fairy sprinkled chaos instead of magic. In moments of pure exasperation, I often find myself reminiscing about more joyful times, like telling stories to children, where imagination takes flight and frustration melts away. Instead of battling over math problems, I’d much rather be crafting tales that bring smiles instead of tears.

4 – Boys have an attention span shorter than a goldfish. Unless, of course, I am talking about chocolate or scooter tricks. Not that I personally do scooter tricks, he does, the mere mention gets his attention though.

5 – Boys don’t have a tidy gene.

6 – Boys talk nonstop, often the same thing 7 different ways.

7 – Boys have a constant energy that if it was bottled would make someone very rich.

8 – Boys can be surprising sensitive and caring. This is rare though so don’t get too excited or worried.

9 – Boys have smelly feet. ( even if you have mastered number 1)

10 – Boys will happily wear the same clothes every day forever. I am now an expert in the art of night time clothes stealing to enable them to be washed.

 

I asked my daughter what it was like having a brother….”annoying and smelly” !