A few weeks ago we attended a pumpkin festival in a small quaint town, beautiful trees lined the water as we watched the boats come in. As we made our way out on the long dock, lined with large rocks to get a better view the boys decided they want to jump the rocks. There were small crevices between most of the rocks, but big enough that my little men could slip through and into the water.
Being protective mom I immediately told them no. Aaron on the other hand said, “let them be boys”. Of course my peanut gallery chimed in, “come on mom, we will be fine, don’t worry so much.” I closed my eyes and walked at a quick pace as I could feel my heart pounding, picturing the worse scenario possible.
I have two brothers, one older and one younger so seeing how boys act is not completely new to me. Aaron is one of nine boys and I guess he has a little more experience. Already 21 months in to this parenting gig, I still find myself trying to figure out how to raise boys.
In a society that wants to mask gender differences all together and education systems that expect 6 year old boys to sit just as still as 6 year old girls. I find myself going against the tide, trying to find the balance, while still letting my boys be boys.
Boys are loud, rambunctious and wild. Hunters and gatherers at heart and always ready for the next adventure. Yet still sensitive. When their hands have been drenched in mud, the house brought to new decibel levels and every inanimate object made into something throw-able they come to me wanting snuggles and hugs.
I have been asked on numerous occasions by complete strangers if my sons behave, if they listen to me and while observing their politeness they still ask, why are they behaving so well. Feeling sometimes like I am under the microscope in public, especially because we are a multi-racial family. My little men are such gentlemen opening the doors for others and always using their manners, still sometimes they need to be a race car driver or a fighter plane in the grocery store and make the accompanying sounds to go with it.
I am still learning, but I like to think I have come a long way. So if you visit us you may walk into a wrestling match in the living room, a game of floor hockey downstairs or balls flying across the kitchen. I apologize if you see us at the park and my sons are screaming and jumping off the swings, climbing up the slide and scaling the highest peak of the jungle gym. In appearance it may look like I am being irresponsible, I like to think of it as parenting at it’s finest. Just letting boys be boys.
I hear you! I dated someone for a while that had a 4-year-old boy. There were so many time’s I wanted to say no or reach out ahead of time to protect. I learned fast in that little bit of time. I’m sure it gets more challenging as the boys get older. I think even in the “small” adventures, it’s ok to say a prayer of protection to their guardian angel. 🙂
Amen, I definitely need to remember to do that more!
Love this!
As long as you have a good concussion protocol in place, you’ll be fine.
Haha!! The funny thing is I have said to Aaron on several occasions, do you think he has a concussion?
Sounds like they are being boys Cassie. Yes boys will be boys. Trips to the emergency rooms for stitches and broken bones etc. I thank God for them and wouldn’t give up any of the memories of when they were boys now men. Anyone who knows anything about boys will know you are the best mom ever letting theam be boys yet close enough to protect them and be there when they need you. You and Aaron are doing a awesome job raising your children. Even though they are boy being boys they also know a love of family, God, and are very polite. God is so good! Hang in there Cassie. God bless.
As our boys got older we took a family trip to Dave Falls and here were my grown “boys” jumping from cliff to cliff with flip flops on over a raging water many feet down. I told Dave I am leaving. I can’t watch this. He said boys come off of there your mom is going to leave if you don’t. My husband being a adult “boy” is so wonderful. I pray that he never loose the “boy” in him. We make a good balance between us. It just makes me smile thinking about it. Lots of love and prayers, Denise
My heart would be racing too!!