Hi there (Boy) Mamas!
I don’t know about you but having boys is tough. Not only do you want to make sure they are happy and healthy but you want to make sure they are good human beings. As a mom of boys, you constantly hear, “Wow you dodged a bullet, not having girls.” or how about “Raising boys is so much easier than girls.” Why are these the things that are being perceived? Why do people automatically think that its easier with boys?
We as parents of boys have a HUGE responsibility to teach boys how to be humble and to treat others (especially women) with Respect! Boy parents do not get off easy just for having boys. In my mind, I feel that it is harder and more important to raise good men these days.
To all the mamas of girls out there, I promise that I will raise gentle, kind, mindful men. And it starts with these 30 powerful things to teach boys.
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30 Powerful Things to Teach Boys…
Boys, listen up because this is for you and its important.
- Learn how to cook. The Kitchen is not just for girls.
- Shower daily!
- Embrace your sexuality, whatever it may be. You are loved for being you.
- Dutch ovens are never funny. Don’t ever do that to anyone.
- Everyone is your equal– regardless of their race, religion, size, shape or sexual orientation. LOVE IS LOVE!
- A stay at home mom’s job is just as hard as yours.
- MANNERS– Use them!
- Stand up for what’s right, even if you stand alone.
- Don’t compare your life to someone else’s and don’t judge them because you have no idea their journey.
- You control your outcome and your happiness- no one else does.
- Take responsibility for your choices and actions. Being accountable is huge!
- No means no! Honor and respect that!
- Hold the door for everyone.
- Be a good team player and congratulate your opponents.
- Apologize if you are wrong.
- Be proud of yourself and be true to who you are. (a confident child is rarely a bully.)
- Have a strong work ethic.
- Consent and condoms will save your life.
- Having patience is a really good trait to have.
- Go easy on the cologne.
- Showing emotions is not a sign of weakness.
- When it comes to love- wait for the one that takes your breath away.
- If you say you will do something, keep your word and DO IT!
- Remember that trust is earned. Once it is broken, it is difficult to get it back.
- Don’t let fear dictate your actions- Be Brave, Be Bold.
- Always take a polite bite- eat the food that someone cooks for you and say “thank you!”
- Offer to help if someone needs it.
- Learn to LISTEN and ask questions.
- Take a minute to think before you act.
- Your parents #1 job is to make sure you are happy, healthy, and a good man. Let them do their job. They love and support you more than anyone on this planet.
Lets break this stigma!
There is so much that we can do to teach our boys to be good, decent men. So, lets do it.
I am hopeful that this paradigm is shifting by raising boys to view all people as equals and to raise girls who won’t stand for anything else. This idea of “oh, well…boys will be boys.” in reality gives boys and men the okay to act inappropriately or disrespectful.
Also, this whole girls vs boys thing needs to be nipped in the bud. Boys can play with dolls and wear pink if they want to and girls can get dirty and play sports! These gender assignments are harmful and hurtful.
Us parents lead by example, take the time and put in the effort to notice and listen to your child. Where is their hurt coming from? and what are they saying and how are they saying it?
There is a fine balance with our intentions and lessons here. We get to build up our daughters, but remember not to tear down our sons unintentionally in doing so. Teaching boys that its ok to be masculine and feminine is so important. Femininity isn’t about being a women, it is about being thoughtful, empathetic, nurturing, emotional, patient and to have intuition. All sexes and genders can have those traits. Let’s normalize this for our sons instead of shaming and belittling them for not being “manly” enough. Let’s teach our children to spread love to the world, not hatred.
I honestly think this is possible and it starts with us. Bring out that badass mama-ness, that I know is there and do your part by communicating with your sons and daughters and teach them how to be good humans.
Love,
Trista
Cheers to another parenting win. Wishing you success and lots of patience!
Please check out some of my other posts on realistic parenting, and Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest!
- The Keys to ENJOYING Motherhood.
- How to Transition from Co-sleeping.
- The Best Children’s Books.
- 20 Simple Changes to Make in 2023.
Russel Nault
I like where you are going with this, We raised three girls and made sure they are aware and respectful of all aspects of their lives and those around them. Now like you , they are doing the same with their children.
Trista
Thank you Russel! Wow, 3 girls! Love it and great job raising them to be who they are today.
Kelly
Beautifully written words of truth and wisdom. I loved every word. Thank you for sharing. You are not only teaching and growing your boys you are also teaching and growing us all. 💞
Trista
Thank you Kelly! I appreciate the support and the kind words!