Thriving With Boys

The year was 2000. I was a blushing bride with a strapping young husband by my side. Our life stretched out before us, a mysteriously blank canvass. I have always dreamt of having kids. I envisioned myself as a mother from the moment I said, “I do.” The twist was, I always envisioned having a son…and a daughter.

Fast-forward thirteen years. I am no longer a new blushing bride with a blank canvass. I am a tired, middle-aged mom of three exuberant B.O.Y.S. No, not a single daughter in the mix. Not exactly what I envisioned.

After our first son was born my husband and I were obviously ecstatic. He had his son and I was simply thrilled to be holding a healthy baby. Nineteen months later we were pregnant again. Baby number two was growing, as was I. We decided to find out if we were having a boy or a girl. You guessed it, boy #2. Again, we were overjoyed.

A short thirteen months after baby #2 arrived, we became pregnant with baby #3. Two boys out, one baby in the cooker and I HAD to find out if I was going to have my daughter. I remember the day so vividly. It was hot drive to the doctor’s appointment. The boys were with us in the ultrasound room. The technician slathered me with the cold jelly and went to work. Within seconds she hit the jackpot and baby #3 made HIMSELF known. I stared at the screen in disbelief, as I knew this would most likely be the last child we would have together. Another boy.

Don’t get me wrong. I adore all three of my sons. They are truly gifts from the Lord. It excites me to daydream about the things they will accomplish for God during their lives. However, parenting a herd of ALL boys wasn’t something I was fully prepared for. Maybe you’re finding yourself in the same boat?

So, after 10+ years of raising the male species I have a few observations to share.

1.     Boys thrive when they have work to do. Idle time in the hands of young boys = trouble. Even the smallest superhero can help around the house.

2.     Each hour spent outside = 2+ hours of bankable, peaceful time indoors. If you’re a mom that doesn’t like to go outside just consider this equation.

3.     Multiple boys are loud but can learn to control their volume. I believe it’s only fair to give them time and space to exert their noise. I believe it’s equally fair to expect them to rein it in when appropriate. This will take time to accomplish.

4.     Moms of multiple boys earn major brownie points when they’re willing to jump in and get messy right along side their sons. Boys thrive off of side-by-side companionship (much like their older counterparts!)

5.     Lengthy and eloquent speeches are lost on boys. Keep It Simple Sweetheart (KISS).

6.     Roughhousing with your son = love. Try it.

7.     Sticks, rocks, leaves, bugs, twigs, grass, dirt, sand…become a part of your home décor when raising multiple sons.

8.     The command, “Wash your hands!” has several interpretations. An exact definition of what you expect is generally necessary followed by multiple illustrations.

9.     Boys are curious. Sometimes to a fault. Sometimes to a fault that requires stitches.

10. Being a mom of all boys means you’re the only princess in the house. Modeling “princess behavior” can be a tall order but, being on the receiving end of all of the doting from your princes is wonderful!

Guest Blogger: Marti Skow

Marti Skow is a boy raising, homeschooling, picture taking, blog/song/poetry writing, husband loving, work from home graphic artist. She has learned to graciously thrive in a house full of boys, living a life precariously between wedgie wars and warrior training. Marti has written several worship songs with her husband Josh and describes writing and poetry as her form of “knitting.” Some of her favorite things are good coffee (spelled Smokey Row), historical fiction and breakfast foods…preferably enjoyed together. Marti’s desire is to see the world as God sees it and to love His people as He does. You can read more about Marti’s life with boys at www.betterbelieveit.wordpress.com.