5 Things No One Tells You About Parenting a Boy

Parenting a boy is one of the most important tasks you’ll do in your lifetime. Raising a boy from an infant to a man has a lot of challenges. In fact, a lot of these things, no one ever tells you about. There is no magical secret to raising a boy into a good man. However, here are 5 things no one tells you about parenting a boy.

I am sure some of these feelings aren’t exclusive to parenting a boy, however, as a mother of four boys, this is the only point of reference I have.

#1. Constant State of Bewilderment

How can a tiny human contain so much energy, funky smells and love all at the same time? Parenting a boy will leave you in a constant state of bewilderment. Just when you think you have your son figured out, he will surprise you in one way or another. Some days the surprises are pleasant, other days they are downright weird. But one thing remains constant, he will always leave you guessing and wondering, from the day he’s born.

#2. The Struggle of Letting Go

At some point in your son’s life, you’re going to have to let go and this won’t be easy. Usually, when you let your son go, he moves out of the house and in some part on with his life. Life will surely be different when he’s not under your roof anymore. However, boys love their mamas like none other. So fear not, you will always hold a special place in his heart. The struggle of letting go, when parenting a boy, is real. You may one day become a mother-in-law and drawing from your own experiences, you will know exactly how NOT to act in this role. (Letting go is the part of parenting I refuse to think about until the day I am FORCED to!)

#3. Boys are Awesome

While you may not feel like the world thinks this, it’s true! No matter what anyone says to you or what anyone thinks, raising boys is awesome. Boys are fun, energetic, and have a desire to explore the world. You get to be a part of all of that! As the parent of a boy, you’re truly getting front seat tickets to awesome. Being the parent of all boys also doesn’t mean that you are “missing out” on anything, as many people make you feel. Don’t feel pressure to “try for a girl” because parenting a boy is a life filled with a special kind of love and chaos that can’t be replicated.

#4. Boys Can Drown Out the Sound of You

Just like wives complain about their husbands not listening, boys tend to do the same. One thing you should know about parenting boys is that you will be repeating yourself – a lot. I can send my sons to do something and they’ll forget what they were supposed to do, two minutes later. Boys can drown out the sound of you, so you will need to get creative in getting them to listen. Also, don’t be surprised when your instructions to your son have to VERY specific, as in “wash your hair – WITH shampoo” and “please get dressed, in CLEAN clothes”!

#5. Boys LOVE Stories

This is true for my sons, they can’t get enough of hearing how they were as babies and toddlers. Make sure you write down the things your boys say and do because someday they will want to hear all about it. This is something no one ever told me about having boys. They’re interested in hearing all about their childhood, it’s fun for them – and you. They will also LOVE seeing baby pictures of themselves. Although, they’ll do anything to keep you from sharing the naked baby pictures with their friends.

Also be sure to ask them about THEIR stories and get their version of specific childhood memories. Chances are, their version has an unexpected detail or they remember parts you may have forgotten.

When it comes to parenting a boy, remember they’re unique creatures. Boys have their very own personalities and characters. Honor their individuality and help them to see the world from different angles. Your journey as the parent of a boy is sure to leave you tired, proud and every bit of flabbergasted by their creative way to approach life.

Enjoy the ride – it’s worth the sleepless nights.