Raising Rowdy Boys

There is a quote I have seen countless times on Pinterest that I can totally relate to…

Boys, n.: a noise with dirt on it.

This is so true! My boys are inevitably dirty and extremely loud. Like always.

I know so many mothers who are raising boys. Some of these little rugrats are nothing but sweet and gentle and kind. My boys are NOT those things. Well, they are sweet and kind. In fact, they are just wonderful little boys. They are fun and lively and they just love so many things. They make me laugh and I am so proud to be their mom. But they are so crazy, I don’t know what I can do sometimes! My sons are loud and aggressive; they roughhouse and throw things and yell. They really drive me crazy, but I know these are totally normal symptoms of boyhood.

“Remember that boys are men in training. Their aggressive nature is designed for a purpose. It prepares them for ‘provision and protection’ roles to come. That assertiveness also builds culture when properly channeled. I urge you as parents not to resent or try to eliminate the aggressive and excitable nature that can be so irritating. That temperament is part of a divine plan. Celebrate it. Enjoy it. Thank God for it. But understand that it needs to be shaped, molded and ‘civilized.'”

Dr. James Dobson – Bringing Up Boys

This quote really helped me out. I am learning to love the craziness that is little boys. I understand that not all boys are like mine, but many are, and we embrace it! I am not raising little boys, I am training men.

I often feel like I have to apologize for my boys. They get in the way, they talk too loudly, they run around when its inappropriate. They are boys! Of my friends with kids, most have boys, and of those friends, most are much younger than mine. So they just don’t fully understand what it’s like to have independent and rowdy young men living with them. And I love these friends. I love their little boys. They are not like my little boys though.

Not all kids are created equally. That is a wonderful thing. Some are quiet and patient and introverted. Some are loud and intense and extroverted. One is not better than the other. Both types can be smart and funny and kind.

I don’t want anyone to think that I am saying that because my kids have these traits, they will somehow become better men. They may, they may not. Maybe my oldest son’s ill-contentment will lead to a series of selfish acts down the road. Maybe my youngest son’s daredevil streak will lead to multiple broken bones in his future. Who knows!? One thing I do know is that I will try my hardest to raise decent young men with good manners and generous hearts. They will, God willing, become great husbands, hard workers, strong leaders, and well-tempered fathers. I will nurture their minds for their roles-to-be. I will attempt to reign in the aggression and hone it, because there is nothing wrong with strong men who stand up for what they believe in. I will pray for them and with them. They will know that I love them exactly as they are.