Raising My Little Boy

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I never really bought into the line, “Boys are so much busier than girls.” I mean, how different could they really be?

Well, let’s just say the good Lord quickly humbled me when I brought forth my son, Bowen. Of course he started out sweet and cuddly just like my little girls had… but as soon as he could move (which was much earlier than my girls) my life drastically changed. I finally realized what people meant when they were baby-proofing their homes. I learned that the time he would spend sitting quietly on my lap would be limited. I found that my baby would be enamored with loud noises, rougher play and toilets. I realized that doing chores and taking a shower would scarcely happen. My life changed the moment Bowen was laid in my arms.

I don’t mean to make it sound all bad. I absolutely adore my little boy! He makes me laugh, and I love that he is all boy. However, it was a huge parenting adjustment for me. Lately, I have found myself trying to embrace these differences. The last thing I want to do is force my curious boy to sit and play quietly like his sisters. He is a boy… and someday my boy will be a man! I want to reinforce his curiosity and vigor for life! I want him to be confident in who he is.

I am learning to soak up the sweet, cuddly moments with him. When I rock my boy at night… he loves when I tickle his face with my hair. It melts me. At the same time, I love wrestling him to the ground and hearing his giggle. He loves doing anything crazy… so I find myself getting a great workout from chasing him down the block or throwing him high into the air! I know each of these moments are fleeting… AND oh how I will miss them!

I am in awe of this little man God has given me. I am so thankful for the chance to figure this “boy” thing out!

“Little Boys are God’s way of telling you your house is too clean!”

Are you raising a busy little boy?  What is some of your advice for raising boys? I’d love to hear it!

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Katie Evans
Katie Evans is a twenty-something, Iowa lovin’, native (born and bred!), momma of three-Hallie (January 2008) Harper (December 2009) and Bowen (October 2011). She is also head-over-heels in love with her hunky, guitar-playing hubby, Jon; they’ve been married for five years. Beyond being a passionate mom and wife, she has a heart for women and can often be found lost in good conversation about babies, husbands, recipes, life, love, etc.

3 COMMENTS

  1. A mother of tree boys suggested the book “Wild Things: the art of nurturing boys” I highly recommend this book for all the reasons you listed above! Boys are different and I especially notice when my two boys are together. I didn’t think the wrestling would start so early! But I love it! The past few sundays in church I have sat behind some families with older boys and God gave me a glimpse of what I pray they will be someday.

  2. It is fun to see the innate differences in boys and girls. One thing that’s important to me as I raise my boy is to teach him gentlemanly behaviors. And with three little sisters, he has some fertile training ground! 🙂

  3. Its always so refreshing to hear a mom who’s experienced both and to hear them say how HARD boys are to keep up with! I sometimes want to tell all my mama friends with only girls, “you really have no idea how easy you have it!” But I know everyone feels like parenting is hard, no matter what gender. I just wish they could live at my house for a week 😉

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