Perhaps it’s because I was raised in a family with two sisters, or perhaps it’s because there’s really very few boys in my family, but I never imagined myself growing up and raising little boys. I always saw a girl in the picture. That being said, I knew from day one when I found out I was pregnant with our first that he was a boy – even though we didn’t find out the gender. I just knew. Fast-forward 4 years, and I’m a mama to two perfectly imperfect little boys, and I wouldn’t change a darn thing.
Boys are (or were) totally out of my wheelhouse when Spencer was born. I had no idea what I was doing. My husband, on the other hand, was raised with two brothers, so it was old hat to him. From the first questions in the recovery room (to circumcise or not to circumcise) to learning to properly clean and diaper a boy, to potty training, playing, and beyond, it’s been an adventure thus far, I’m still navigating these boy mama ropes. But I’m loving it…truly. They’re messy, they’re beautiful, they’re perfect, and they’re mine.
Perhaps one day we’ll have a girl, but for now, I’m insanely content. So, boy mamas and boy mamas to-be, here are seven things I’ve learned (and loved) about being a boy mama so far (and things that I absolutely love, too!)
Raising Boys: 8 Things I’ve Loved and Learned
1. There will be noise (and messes).
Raising boys is possibly the most beautiful form of chaos out there. They are loud, noisy, messy, and generally on-the-go, but it’s perfect. Each noise they make is backed by so much heart and enthusiasm that I can’t help but foster that noise.
2. They never stop moving.
When my husband was deployed last year, I learned very quickly that I couldn’t sit and dwell on my own sadness. Instead, I had to move with these little boys who wanted to keep going. That energy is infectious, and I let it fuel me these days; there’s too much life to live to sit still.
3. Boys are sensitive little souls.
I see it all over the news these days about aggressive men and men who simply don’t have any regard for others. My little boys have so many feelings. I joke about it a lot, but I mean it. They’re sensitive, and sweet, and insightful. It’s our duty to foster those feelings and keep them alive.
4. Tickle-fights take the cake.
I challenge you to name anything more magical than a child’s laughter. There’s nothing better – truly. Not a day goes by that we don’t have some semblance of a tickle fight. Making these boys giggle makes my mama heart smile time and again.
5. Burps & farts are funny.
This is probably one of the biggest surprises to me, honestly. I knew boys were messy and dirty, and I never thought their burps and farts would be funny, but they are. They giggle each time the other does something, and they look around with such pride and laugh together. I can’t help but join in.
6. They’re acutely aware of their bodies.
Okay, but seriously! Our three-year-old is potty trained now, and in the process of teaching him, we became so aware of how much he is aware of. Oh, and with that, nudity is very common. They find nothing funnier than dropping trowel, and they’re little – so we let them be naked in the backyard. Why the heck not?
7. They need to be nurtured.
I mentioned something on my instagram this weekend how fun – and how challenging – three is with our sweet Spencer. He has a will that’s a million miles wide. He’s impulsive, smart, intuitive, and he’s such a sponge. He sees and absorbs everything. It’s our job to constructively correct, nourish his creativity, and lead him down the correct path.
8. There’s no bond like that of a mama & her boys.
I don’t think that there’s anything out there quite like it – truly. The bond I have with my boys (even when they’re driving me crazy) is indescribable. They love their Daddy more than life itself, but there’s something about Mama that’s always their rock. Mama’s there safe place, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Do you have boys of your own? What are some of the things you’ve learned and loved? Or, do you have a boy on the way? What do you hope for?
