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 wasn’t the kind of teenager or young adult who spent much time dreaming about motherhood. But when I got pregnant for the first time, I just assumed it would be a girl. I don’t really know why, I just saw myself as a girl mom.

Turns out, I was very wrong.

Instead, I get to be the mama to four wild things, and honestly, it’s pretty special. Every time I told someone I was having a boy (and then another… and another… and another), I always heard the same response:

“Oh, boys sure do love their mamas.”

And while that’s true, I’ve learned there is so much no one tells you about raising boys.

Obviously, every child is different, no two boys are exactly the same. But here are a few things I’ve learned along the way while raising mine.

1. Your bathroom will never be clean again.
Think pee. Everywhere.

Yes, I am teaching them how to clean up after themselves because I believe in raising men who know how to take care of themselves. But right now, my boys are still young, and no matter how much I clean, I swear the pee magically reappears.

2. They have a serious aversion to clothes.
At least mine do.

Every time I turn around, someone doesn’t have pants on. Shirts are optional. 

3. Boys are just as emotional and dramatic as girls.
Their emotions run deep.

It is so important that we teach boys emotional intelligence: how to feel, name, and express their emotions in healthy ways. Big feelings aren’t a weakness. They’re human.

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

A stick, a spoon, a random piece of cardboard, if it can be swung, thrown, or used dramatically, it will be.

5. They are LOUD.
The noise never ends.

They’re either talking, making sound effects, banging toys together, or narrating their entire life at full volume. Silence is suspicious in a house full of boys.

6. Farts are hilarious.
Actually, any potty talk is hilarious.

I don’t make the rules. I just live here.

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

They want to know how everything works, what happens if they jump from there, and whether something is a good idea by first trying it.

8. They are magnetically attracted to dirt.
See a puddle? They’re jumping in it.
See a pile of dirt? Yep, they’re headed straight for it.

Clean clothes are merely a suggestion.

9. Everything is also a jungle gym.
The couch. The staircase. The furniture.
And yes… even you.

10. You get to see the part of men that often gets tucked away as they grow older.
You get to see the soft side.

My boys love each other fiercely. They care deeply about their family. They show tenderness, empathy, and loyalty in ways that remind me how important it is to protect that softness.

As I raise these boys to be strong men, I hope they always remember that strength and softness can coexist.

Maybe this is just my boys, but everything above is true for all four of mine.

They keep me on my toes, strengthen me in ways I never expected, and teach me daily lessons in patience, humor, and love. And even on the loud, messy, chaotic days, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What are some things you learned while raising boys?