10 Lessons from Raising Boys That Every Mom Should Know

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Being a mom can be a rollercoaster ride of stress and joy, and when it comes to raising boys, there are some hard-earned lessons along the way. As my youngest, Jake, approaches 16, I’ve gleaned a few insights that might resonate with you too.

  1. Pick Your Battles: Majority rules when it comes to boys, so choose your arguments wisely. The toilet seat will be up, towels will be strewn about, and your walls will bear the marks of little hands. It’s just not worth the energy to fight over these things. If they can remember to put the seat down at someone else’s house, you’ve already made progress.
  2. Embrace the Chaos: Expect every flat surface to become a dumping ground. Searching for something? Just ask your boys or your husband where it might be. Forget trying to keep everything organized—it’s a losing battle.
  3. Sibling Rivalry with Love: As a mom, you’ll find yourself in the role of referee. Fights can get intense, but the love they have for each other is even stronger. If anyone else dares to pick on them, watch out—they will rally together like a fierce pack.
  4. Stay Positive: Life’s messes can seem overwhelming, but try to see the silver lining. Sure, they might have drawn on the school bus seats, but at least they didn’t cause more significant damage. A little perspective goes a long way in keeping your sanity intact.
  5. Patience is a Choice: Patience isn’t just something you’re born with; it’s a decision. Boys will have their own timing for everything, which usually doesn’t align with yours. If you manage to teach them even a little patience, you’ve accomplished something great.
  6. They Want You There: Even when your boys act indifferent about your presence, deep down they care. Every text before a game asking if you’ll be there shows just how much it means to them.
  7. Injuries Happen: Boys are inherently adventurous and will get hurt along the way. Blood and scraped knees are part of the package. The real stress comes when they get into scrapes with other kids—then you’ll need to step in and be the calm support.
  8. Forget About That Security Deposit: If you’re renting, just let go of the idea that you’ll get your security deposit back. Boys have a knack for creating surprises that only reveal themselves once you move furniture.
  9. Lower Your Standards: In the beginning, it’s tempting to dress them in cute clothes, but as they grow, ripped jeans and old tees become the norm. Let them embrace their boyhood messiness—it’s part of growing up.
  10. Raising Men, Not Boys: While they’re young, enjoy their innocence. But as they start to question the world, be honest with them. These conversations can be awkward, but they’re necessary for building trust as they grow into men.

Bonus: No matter how big they get, they’ll always be your little boys at heart. Their love for you runs deep, and those special moments will remind you just how precious that bond is.

In conclusion, raising boys is a unique journey filled with lessons on patience, love, and the occasional chaos. If you’re interested in more insights on parenting, check out our posts on home insemination and boosting fertility.

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