A mother’s heartfelt Facebook post about a moment at her son’s basketball game is a must-read for any parent raising boys. In a world where boys are often told to “toughen up” and hide their feelings, this mom’s message underscores the importance of allowing boys to express their emotions openly.
Meet Lisa Thompson
Lisa Thompson is a busy mom of three who’s also known for her no-nonsense parenting approach. With her kids, ten-year-old Ella, eight-year-old Jake, and six-year-old Sam, Lisa believes in showing love and support, especially when they are in distress. Recently, she shared an emotional story on Facebook about an incident involving Jake during a basketball match where he took a ball to the face.
As soon as Lisa saw Jake’s distress, her protective instincts kicked in. “He was gasping for air,” she recounted. “I rushed over, knelt down beside him, and said, ‘Just breathe, buddy. It’s okay.’ Once he calmed down, I embraced him while he let his tears flow onto my shoulder.”
The Criticism
But the tough moment took a turn when someone behind her piped up with, “You’re spoiling that kid.” Yes, instead of offering support or asking if Jake was okay, this bystander decided to criticize her for comforting her son.
In an interview with a popular parenting site, Lisa explained that she chose not to engage with the critic. “I didn’t want to cause a scene because I’ve realized that not every battle is worth fighting. Some people just don’t understand better,” she said. However, the comment lingered in her mind, prompting her to share her thoughts in a post that has since gone viral.
The Importance of Emotional Expression
Lisa articulated perfectly why it’s crucial for boys to have the freedom to express their emotions. “The idea that boys can’t feel pain or show tenderness is incredibly harmful in the long run,” she wrote. “This pressure to always ‘man up’ doesn’t just affect them as kids; it follows them into adulthood, where they often struggle to experience the full range of love and affection.”
Although Jake caught a hint of the comment, he didn’t fully grasp it at the time. That evening, while tucking him in, Lisa skillfully addressed the situation without giving it undue weight. “I told him, ‘No matter if you’re hurting physically or emotionally, you can always come to me. It doesn’t matter if you’re 8, 15, or even 50.’ Then I showered him with kisses.”
Encouraging Emotional Release
The instinct to cry when in pain, whether it’s physical or emotional, is completely natural. So, why do we encourage this release in girls but often stifle it in boys? Supporting our children during tough times is a vital reminder that they are cherished, and no parent should feel guilty for showing love, regardless of their child’s age or gender.
“Love is an action,” she emphasizes. “It’s not babying or coddling. It’s something my son deserves. I’ll always be there for him in his moments of hurt, and my hope is that he remains open to receiving love so that he can share it with others.”
Further Reading
For more insights on parenting and emotional health, check out this post on home insemination techniques. And if you’re interested in products that support family growth, Make a Mom offers an authority on at-home insemination kits. For those exploring pregnancy options, Cleveland Clinic provides excellent resources on intrauterine insemination.
Conclusion
In summary, Lisa’s story serves as a powerful reminder that boys, just like girls, need to feel safe in expressing their emotions. Encouraging this openness fosters their emotional health and strengthens their capacity for love and connection throughout their lives.