10 Things No One Told Me About Raising Boys

While I absolutely love raising these four boys of mine, I never thought I would end up being a boy mom. I was not the kind of teenager or young adult that thought that much about being a mom. But when I got pregnant for the first time, I just thought it would be a girl. I don't really know why, but I saw myself as a girl mom. Turns out I was very wrong. It's definitely special getting to be the mama to these four wild things. Every time I told someone I was having a boy (and then another, and another, and another), I always got the same response. "Oh, boys sure do love their mama's" but I feel like there is so much no one told me about raising boys. Obviously this will be different for everyone as no two boys are exactly the same. BUT here are some things I have learned about raising boys along the way.

1. Your bathroom will never be clean again. Just think pee everywhere! And yes, I am teaching them how to clean up after themselves because I believe in raising men that know how to take care of themselves. But right now, my boys are still young, and I swear no matter how much I clean, there is pee everywhere again.

2. They have an aversion to clothes...at least mine do. Every time I turn around someone doesn't have pants on. 

3. Boys are just as dramatic and just as emotional as girls. Their emotions run deep. It is imperative that we teach boys emotional intelligence. 

4. Everything becomes a weapon! And I do mean everything.

5. They are LOUD! The noise never ends. They are either talking or making sound effects or banging toys around.

6. Farts are hilarious to them. Actually any potty talk is hilarious to them.

7. Their curiosity is never ending. The number one rule of raising boys is keeping them alive! 

8. They are absolutely attracted to dirt. See a puddle? They are jumping in it. See a pile of dirt? Yep, they are heading straight for it.

9. Everything also becomes a jungle gym. Your couch, the staircase, and yes, even you!

10. You'll get to see the part of men that tends to get tucked away the older they get. What I mean by that is you get to see the soft side of them. You get to see the tender parts. My boys love each other so hard. They care deeply about their family. I hope that as I raise these boys to be strong men that they also remember the soft side is so important too. Strength and softness can coexist. 

Again, maybe this is just my boys but I have learned so much about boys these past several years. Everything I said above is true about all four of my boys. They definitely keep me on my toes, but I wouldn't have it any other way. What are some things you learned while raising boys?