When I first discovered I was pregnant, I assumed I would be a mom to girls. After all, I came from a family of 3 daughters. But when I had my first boy and then discovered my second was also a boy, no one was more surprised than me! Now 4 years into being a boy mom, I can say it is a wild and messy adventure. I’ve compiled a number of discoveries I’ve made in this new to me ‘world of boys’.
Disclaimer: this is over-generalized and stereotypical, but true for my boys nonetheless!
1) Always Check Pockets
Now this can be pretty scary because you can’t see what’s in there before you stick your hand in, but believe me, it’s better than having it go through the wash. I don’t necessarily consider a load of laundry “clean” if it has dead bugs in it. And rocks are not good for a dryer. We’ve already had to buy a new one. Also don’t feel bad if you have THROW away the item of clothing if you can not tell what the found substance is.
2) Hugs Are Tackles
And Tackles Are Hugs. Every time I assume my boys are hurting each other, they are actually “loving” each other. On the contrary, every time I assume they are harmlessly hugging each other, it ends with me yelling and peeling one off the other. You can never be sure even with careful studying.
3) Correct Terminology
A backhoe loader is completely different than an excavator. You need to get this right early on, or you will be continually corrected by everyone in your house. Also when playing with your boys, toys aren’t “nice”. Toys are “mean” and “scary”. Mean and scary are always better. Also the louder you are when playing with them, the more they will like you.
4) Point It Down!
Enough said, amiright?
5) Loosen Up
This is hard if you’re a type A person like me, but you will be a much happier person if you loosen up a bit. Did one boy break your favorite vase and rub the dirt from the plant into your new rug? Yep. Happened. Did another scribble in your new Rifle Paper planner with a permanent marker? Did another get into your jewelry cabinet and rip apart several necklaces? Yep and yep. I’m still working through this lesson, as you can tell.
6) Anything Can Be Made Into A Gun
Maybe you took a “No play guns in this house!” stance? HahaHA. You can forget about that. I have learned carrots, measuring cups, sticks, bananas, and sunglasses can all be guns. How did we handle this? We bought nerf guns.
7) Definition of “Wrangle”
If you want to know what it’s like to be a boy mom google this word.
Wrangle: 1) a dispute or argument, typically one that is long and complicated 2) round up, herd, or take charge of.
Both definitions are true in this case. This will become even more evident when getting them in car seats, in the aisles of Target, and BEDTIME.
8) Hide Mama’s Snacks
Better yet, have a lock on the pantry. If this is impractical, remember height is key. If your chocolate is in the reach of their hands while standing tippy-toed on the kitchen counter, it is not high enough. Also you MUST keep changing the hiding spot.
9) Know The Go-To Solution
It really is as simple as “Here’s a ball, go outside”. They need to move, they need change of scenery, they need fresh air and open spaces. If you have a dog, you get extra points.
10) Never Too Much Love
I remember feeling perplexed when we found out our first was a boy. Coming from an all-girls house I was unsure how to do the boy thing. But you know what? It didn’t matter. Because as soon as I saw that little baby, it was all over. I was head-over-heels for him and him for me. Boys need as much love and affection as girls. There is no such thing as too much kisses and snuggles from Mama. You have the privilege of being their first love. That’s a pretty amazing honor.
