5 Things Boys Need From Their Moms

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Whether they want to admit it or not, our boys (both big and small) need these 5 things from their mamas.

5 Things Boys Need From Their Moms

The other day I was working in my office during nap time. Blake was sleeping so I had probably about one hour to cram my whole work day into. I was mad typing on my computer and Branden walked through the doors, put his arms around my neck, kissed me on the cheek and made a comment about the Steelers sweatshirt I was wearing. It was a very rare and very sweet moment that touched me to my core and I paused and went in for one more hug while I had the chance.

It was also one of the “wow, we’re raising such a sweet boy” moments, because I question those things as we’re entering the tween years. I know that I’m hard on him, some days maybe more than I should be, but I expect a lot from him because of all the attention that Blake requires right now. I want him to grow into a well rounded adult who shoots for the moon and reaches his goals. I want him to go after his passions, be kind to people, be a cleaner adult than he is tween (hah!), and be a wonderful husband and father someday. I know that I can’t control everything though, but I have realized that there are things we can give our boys every single day that will help them learn these things on their own.

1. Trust.

I struggle with this one about certain things (ahem: getting his chores done each day), but whenever he is away from me playing with the neighborhood kids or riding his bike in the park, I know with every fiber of my being that he’s making good choices. I read something the other day about how things are so different now than they were when my parents generation was growing up where kids ran around all day until the street lights turn on, which is true – it doesn’t happen as much today. There’s a lot of speculation about what kids today (and even 50 years ago) are doing during moments without supervision, but I think there needs to be a balance.

Our boys need to know that we believe in them and their decision making skills to make the right choices whenever we’re not there to guide them and that starts with small things. Having trust from their mamas I think is a little different than having it from their dads, too.

2. Structure.

I believe that having a structured day now will help him still have productive, organized, structured days as an adult. Obviously things are different now because Branden is still on summer break, but I still strive to give him this everyday, even if it makes him mad. I know that he would love to be doing his own thing all day everyday, but I make sure that he gets up and does something active with me almost everyday morning, makes healthy choices, and follows his chore chart thats on the refrigerator. As long as he does these things, plus watched Blake while I shower and an hour in the afternoon so I can work, he gets his allowance and to decide what to do with the rest of his day.

3. Attention.

As much as this might be a “well, of course” one, I know that I’m guilty of not giving Branden 100% of my attention all the time whenever he might want it. It’s not always possible and Blake just takes so much out of me that balancing things have been hard. I’ve recognized this though and am doing my best to give him extra attention after she goes to sleep, whether its watching a show together or playing Uno – he’s got my full attention during these moments.

4. Freedom

Within the same breath as boys needing structure they also need a little freedom, too. I think this is key to helping them grow to be well rounded. Now figuring out the right balance between the two is the tricky part!

5. Hugs and kisses.

No matter how gross they say they are, they need this – especially from their moms.