What I’ve Learned about Raising Boys
Raising boys can be likened to stepping into an energetic whirlwind filled with emotion, dirt, and laughter. This journey teaches more than you could have imagined about love, patience,ce, and resilience. As the mother of two energetic boys, I have been welcomed into this chaotic club – and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
Here are 23 things that I have learned over the years, with more color, detail, and honesty.
1. People say, “It isn’t fair!” Quite Often
Boys have a sense of justice that is so acute it could break glass. They apply this to everything, from dessert portions to TV time to who sits beside mum at dinner or whose turn to press the elevator button. They are mini-negotiators and lawyers in training, arguing passionately about who got more juice. You will find yourself doing mental math in a split second to ensure fair treatment for everyone — and someone will still complain that it’s not right!
2. They Want to Win it All
Everything becomes a contest the moment they awaken. Who can brush their teeth the fastest? Who can get to the car faster? Even breakfast is an Olympic event. It’s not arrogance that drives this competitiveness — it’s the drive to prove themselves, test limits, and show that they can. It’s both exhausting and fascinating as a parent to see their desire for success in even the smallest of things.
3. They Fight Like Lion Cubs
The way boys wrestle is primal. Although it can appear aggressive, this is often how boys bond. Physical play is the language of children. They wrestle on the rug in their living room, use sofa cushions as a fort, and pool noodles to make lightsabers. When roughhousing becomes real tears, it’s time to change from spectator to referee.
4. Sticks Are More Popular Than Toys
You can forget your carefully curated toy basket. The ultimate prize is a good stick. It can be transformed into a sword, a magic wand, a walking stick, or even a fishing pole. Sticks are a bit boyish. You might find whole collections propped up against your front door. Prepare yourself for a search team if you throw one away.
5. Ball Games are Life
You name it: football, basketball, cricket. They’re all in if it involves a football. Once they join a club or team, you will too. This sporty lifestyle is part of who you are. From washing dirty socks every Sunday to shivering at the sidelines, it becomes a part of your identity. Bonus: watching their pride when they score a goal can be priceless.
6. They are Magnets to Mud
No puddle can be left unexplored. No grass patch is left untouched. They will splash in puddles and roll in the dirt. Guess what? They love it. It’s more about removing mud than cleaning.
7. “I am Hungry” is the Mantra of this Group
You’d be surprised how many boys will say that they are hungry, even just five minutes after eating. You will need to constantly replenish bananas, crackers, and yogurt. The grocery trips become like military operations. They’ll ask, “Do we have snacks?” even though the cupboards are full.
8. Bugs and Humans are Best of Friends
Boys want to hold and examine spiders, beetles, eggs, or worms. They may even name them. Backyard explorations turn into mini-safaris. You will find “bug-hotels” made of sticks and leaves, and be asked to admire a worm that they have just dug. This is their way to explore nature and learn empathy for even the smallest life.
9. Climbing a Mountain is a Necessity
They’ll climb anything vertical. They’ll climb trees, walls, furniture, and even shelves, if no one is watching. They climb out of curiosity and a desire to conquer. You will become an expert at scanning the playground for hazards and shouting “Get down!” throughout the park.
10. They Find Fake Poops Hilarious
Toilet humor is a favorite form of humor for boys. It’s gold. Fake poos, fart jokes and burp competitions are all hilarious. While you may roll your eyes at their laughter, it is contagious. You’ll eventually find yourself laughing, even if it’s not something you want to admit.
11. They Do Not Walk, They Sprint
It’s always a race, no matter where you are. Boys can move very quickly, whether they are in a busy shopping center or at home. You’re always telling them to slow down. You wish there were a speed setting you could change.
12. They are either all or Nothing When it comes to Their Emotions
Boys are not subtle with their emotions. Boys can be ecstatic or frustrated. The truth is that they won’t be manipulated by long grudges or silent treatment. It’s all out there, raw and unfiltered. Even when it is loud, this honesty is refreshing.
13. The Phrase “I’m bored!” Has Become a Common One.
They will become restless if left in the house for too long. It’s time to get outside when your child starts climbing furniture, jumping from the bed, or whining. A change of scenery and a room to ru,n can reset the mood, no matter how cold, wet, or muddy it is.
14. They Ask You Questions that Stumped You
These questions are a reflection of their curious, creative, and philosophical minds. These questions will keep you alert and help you see the wonders they find in everyday life.
15. They Pretend to Not Know Where Anything Is
They’re “missing” even when they are right in front of you. It’s sometimes laziness, and other times it’s classic boy tunnel vision. You become their GPS, pointing out items that they have used daily for years.
16. You Will Never Again Be Able to Keep Your Home Tidy
Legos underfoot. Sticky handprints in the windows. Shoe piles by the door. Boys can be like tornadoes, moving from one room to another and causing chaos. Accepting the mess as part of your journey is important. Learning to enjoy it even more.
17. They Try to Look Cool
They want to be superheroes or rock stars in school. They dress up in Dad’s sunglasses and hats, splash water to make their hair spikey, and dance around the kitchen while wearing socks and underpants. This is both endearing as well as hilarious.
18. They Love Soft Things in Secret
Many boys enjoy nurturing play despite all the “ew, girls” talk. These moments, whether it’s cuddling stuffed toys, playing with siblings, or being rocked in a toy pram like a baby, are priceless. This is proof that boys are still capable of sensitivity and imaginative play, even when they’re wearing a superhero costume.
19. Potty Humor That Never Gets Old
Even when you’re six (and possibly beyond), jokes that involve bodily functions can be hilarious. They will laugh at the same joke, even if they tell it 50 times.
20. They Seldom Sit Still
How long can you color for? Impossible. You want to watch a movie quietly? Snacks are only allowed. They are constantly shifting their attention, just like bees between flowers. When they are truly engaged by something — such as building LEGOs or creating a game — their attention is incredibly focused.
21. Sleepovers Can be a Huge Deal
Sleepovers become a major undertaking. The ritual includes snacks, blanke, t, and torches. Even though sleep is rare, laughter and late-night giggles create unforgettable memories.
22. Toilets Can Be a Battle Zone
Let’s face it: boys aren’t known for their precision on the toilet. Bathrooms become a constant place of cleaning. You’ll think about posting signs there if you see pee on the ground, toilet paper strewn everywhere, or people sitting up in their seats. With gentle reminders and lots of cleaning solutions, they will get it… eventually.
23. They Will Melt Your Heart Every Day
When they are proud, they will look up at your face. Hugs that come out of nowhere. Just before going to bed, a whispered “I love you, Mum” made me smile. It’s these moments that make everything worthwhile. When those tiny hands wrap around your neck, you’ll forget all the tantrums and mud.
Living Loudly and Loving Loudly
Raising boys requires a lot of courage. It can be loud, essays, and at times, you feel like your brain is about to explode. It’s full of wonder, but also loud and messy. These wild yet tender little creatures teach you how to live in the present.
They teach you to laugh and marvel at silly things, race when there is no finish line, and be patient. They teach you compassion, patience, and a deep, unshakeable love.
Know this: If you are a father of boys, whether you have a single boy or a whole crew, you are not alone. There’s chaos, comedy, heartbreak, and magic. One day, after the toys and noise have been put away and the chaos has subsided, you will look back on these years and realize that they were golden.
