That's what little boys are made of.
Right?
They're a handful, or so I hear. One friend of mine commented that her friends with sons and her friends with daughters lead very different lives. She made this observation as we sat together at a restaurant, where my 19 month old daughter quietly "read" her book and ate her salad.
Another friend asked me recently if Isabelle plays like a girl. I had to think for a minute before saying "yes, I think so, although she can be rowdy at times." But then I really observed my little girl in action. She was calmly sitting in the middle of a big pile of toys and three rambunctious boys who varied in age from 1-6 played wildly nearby. She loves her Little People house, where she can make mommy, daddy, and baby have dinner together and then put the baby to bed. Yes, she definitely plays like a girl.
I'm a little nervous about this whole boy thing. Fortunately, I happen to be married to someone who knows the ropes. That's why parenting is a two person job. But it's not that I know nothing of boys. I grew up with four boys in our home, and I'm quite familiar with their rough and tumble ways, as well as their sweetness. But they're a different breed aren't they, and I've never parented one before.
So just what are the differences? If you've got a son, how do you think they differ from girls, from a parenting standpoint? What are the challenges you've faced? Just how early do they manifest their little boyness? If you read my other post from today, you know that I just finished reading Bringing Up Boys. But I'd love to hear your thoughts on the difference in raising boys and girls.
Gabby, my son is 15 months old and he is VERY different from my girls, who are seven and five! He already loves to play outside, adores chickens, cows and our chocolate lab! William is a tough little guy, he tries not to cry when he falls and he EATS so much more than his sisters did, maybe even more than they do now, at times!! One thing is certain, the bond between Mother and Son is indescribable! I don't love him any more or less than the girls of course but, it's a different attachment!!
ReplyDeleteWow, at 15 months, he's already that different!?! I find it fascinating that our gender differences are so hard wired within us, even at such a young age. Thanks for your perspective, Tessa!
ReplyDeleteOh man, I wish you could come observe Christian for a few hours! He and Ella are night and day! If it's dangerous, he'll go right to it. Why walk when he can run? He's not just making a mess - he's trying to figure out how it works. Playing is much more fun when gun & sword sound effects are involved! Why wouldn't he completely cover himself in dirt?! But all of this is followed by sweet smiles and hugs to make up for all the mess :o) Welcome to the world of boys!
ReplyDelete