25 Things I have Learned from Raising Boys

25 Things I’ve Learned from Raising my Four Boys

Considering the fact that I’m still such a young thing (wait, why are you laughing?) it’s hard to believe that two of my four sons are now adults. I mean, legally grown ups and all that. 

I couldn’t be more proud of the young men they are in this season.   I treasure who they are, but oh the ache in my heart for every moment we have shared along the way. 

Last summer, shortly before my oldest packed his bags for his second year of college,  I started a list on my computer — of things this boy-raising journey has taught me. Because, though I like to think I’ve taught my boys a thing or two along the way, there is no doubt they’ve taught me at least as much.  My list got long and I hope to keep adding to it over time. 

But I thought I’d share a short-list here with you.  Maybe it can offer a bit of perspective if you’re still in the thick of it.  Or maybe…it will inspire you to start a list of your own.  

25 THINGS I’VE LEARNED FROM RAISING BOYS

1.  To laugh easily.  Boys can turn almost any moment into something funny if you let them.  (it’s also way better than crying.)
2. That no matter how difficult, draining, and frustrating a boy might be all day long, one look at him sleeping soundly can make you love him to the moon and back a thousand times. 
3. That one more hug is never enough.
   
4. That even young boys are drawn to know the God who created them.  
5. And moms are often the ones to get to make the introduction.
6. That things that used to matter to me no longer matter at all:  Image, popularity, the opinions of others. 
7. And  new things matter immensely:  The well-being of my son and if I’m doing the best job I can to raise him well.  
8. That the phrase “there is nothing to eat in this house!” actually means we are out of cereal.
9. That most awkward conversations go down better followed by ice cream and Sponge Bob.
10. That praying bold prayers for and with my son is not only powerful and effective, but actually teaches him to one day do the same.  
11. That some of the best conversations can happen while taking a walk,  shooting baskets, or on a car ride.  Shoulder to shoulder is most effective when communicating with boys. 
    
12. That spilled milk is nothing to cry over.  But sometimes you just need to cry and the spilled milk is a good excuse to do it. 
13. That boys will often fulfill the expectations you have for them.  Believe big.  Set high standards.  
14. That when a boy is in the awkward stage of adolescence, a mom speaking confidently to the man he is becoming is incredibly powerful. 
15. That knowing a little bit about my son’s favorite sport (or collection or hobby) can speak volumes of love to his heart. 
16. That after 10 PM a teenager is 10 times more likely to engage in meaningful conversation…
17. To never quit telling my son who he is, why he matters, and how much God loves him.  As it turns out, he’s actually listening. 
18. That harsh words from a mom can wound even the toughest boy’s heart.  
19. That owning my mistakes and asking forgiveness does not make my son respect me less, but actually all the more. 
20. That some smells simply don’t come out in the laundry. 
21. That food really is the way to a boy/man’s heart.
22. That most boys actually need and want some advice on girls and dating. 
23. That God will direct a mom’s heart to things she never would have known about, if she takes time to pray and listen. 
24. That the bond between mother and son runs deep and crosses miles and oceans.  Stronger than we think.
25. That the days I wished would pass more quickly when he was young are the ones I day-dream about when he’s getting ready to leave for college.

Oh it’s hard to cut off my list, but I’ll save more for another day…I’d love to hear from you in comments!  Feel free to add to my list or share which season YOU ARE IN with raising your kids. 

If you haven’t read it yet, my new book, Boy Mom, is packed full of practical advice and encouragement for moms of boys of all ages.  (Look for it on Audible as well!)  Also, be sure to subscribe to the Boy Mom Podcast for weekly doses of inspiration for your boy-raising journey! 

Hugs and blessings,