Two weeks ago I talked about the 5 Things I wanted my daughters to know and it received such a great response. Well, I also have two boys, in fact I was a boy mom first. Raising boys in this world is also scary…shoot raising kids in general is scary. Everyone thinks they have something to offer or teach our children, but what we share with them should be like a sounding gong, clanging over and over in their head. What we teach them is SO important, and sadly the things left unsaid seem to make a stronger impact on them. I don’t want that for my children; there’s so much I wish for them to know.
1. Superheroes aren’t real. But your your dad and grandfathers are pretty close. You have great men in your life that God has given you to shadow. They love God and their families more than themselves and if you aren’t sure where to step next, look for their footprints. Instead of modeling trashy, unethical public figures, put these men at the top of your list. Yes, they make mistakes, we all do. But what is most important is what happens after the mistakes. These men humble themselves, ask for forgiveness, and seek to glorify God. Now THAT is a role model.
2. Be a leader, not a follower. Life is too short for you to be concerned with fitting in and to be everything to everyone. You don’t have to fit in. The world expects you to act a certain way. Culture demands it. But it’s okay to be a square peg in a round hole, to look different, be yourself. It’s alright to chart your course to God’s plan, even when others might not understand it. Yes, you might feel odd or weird chasing it, but that’s okay, most world changers do. So set your dreams high, follow the Lord, and forget nay sayers.
3. We are proud of you. You do NOT have to work for your father and I’s love and approval. You are OURS, we love you more than life itself and are so proud of you. We would do anything for you and will always be there to support, pray, and listen to you. Continue to grow, learn, and seek the Lord. The sky is your limit and it’s your choice. But no matter what you accomplish or don’t, in my eyes, you’re successful if you love God first and others second. Always remember this is true success.
(free print from the amazing Royal Daughter Designs)
4. Real men DO cry (and wear pink). Boys are supposed to be rough and tough. This is not bad, but I want you to know real men are tender, they care about others, and root for the underdog. They rush to open the door for elderly women, help those less fortunate, cry over injustices and when they grow up, they tuck their babies into bed. Don’t fall into the “you can’t have a weakness” trap floating around society right now. That’s a bowl of malarkey. We are all weak, incomplete in fact without the Lord. Your strength comes from Him, always remember that.
5. Treat women right. There’s peer pressure all around-to talk or dress a certain way, and especially to disrespect adults or girls (women). Be gentle with them, tender, and treat them as you would when protecting your sisters. For they are someone’s daughter and sister too. Making them feel belittled, and downgraded is not the way to their hearts, instead it only makes you appear to be a punk. If you wouldn’t do it or say it in front of your mother, then don’t do it or say it away from me. 😉 You see how your father treats me, making me feel special, praying for me, caring for me, and listening to me-these are things you should do too. We pray for your future spouse and God’s timing, but until she comes be friends with Godly girls. Also, when the time comes to date and you found a girl you’re interested in, look to how she interacts with her family. Especially her father. But that time will come, enjoy today.
My boys are my heart, my life, and I want so dearly for them to become strong, loving men who seek after the Lord. Once these bases are covered we should definitely move into the importance of teeth brushing, deodorant wearing, and putting the toilet seat down. Society and their future spouses will thank me.
What is one thing you want to share with your son?
(Or what would you share if you had a son?)
I love this list. Those are some great values to teach!
Oh my gosh, Brittany! I LOVE this list. It is so perfect. I have one son. One chance in the sea of pink I swim in here at home. I think that with him, I want him to know that he is original. Even in our house with 4 sisters. I want him to be who he wants to be and not to bow down to society’s rendition of who he should be. Just as you mentioned above: “Be a leader, not a follower.”
Absolutly fab. As a mother of 2 boys (16 & 14) I encourage these 5 all the time. I am going to post this to my facebook site-Psychic Julianna for the mothers! xx
Thank you so much!
Such a great list of values to teach our boys, I especially love the first one!
Thanks!
I love this!! Being proud of our children is so important – my son is only 4 and he always asks if I’m proud of him. I don’t think he really understands what it means, but I always tell him, “YES! I am so proud of you!”
Exactly! My kids say things like that ALL THE TIME!
If I were to have a son, I’m all about the teaching them how to treat women right. We are in an age that we’ve let the feminine movement scare men into not being chivalrous and it makes me both sad & angry.
So agree!