So you found out you’re having a baby boy. Whether you’ve dreamed of being a boy mom your whole life or are still trying to imagine yourself with a little boy in your arms, ready or not, here he comes.
As a mother of four boys, I can honestly say that raising sons has been one of the sweetest, funniest, loudest, and most surprising parts of my life. I love being a boy mom, and these are a few things I’ve learned along the way.
What to Expect as a Boy Mom
Being a boy mom comes with its own set of joys, surprises, and lessons. Here are the things I’ve learned raising four little boys.
Prepare for a Special Bond
The first thing you need to know about your little boy is that you are his first love from the moment he looks into your eyes.
There is something incredibly sweet about the bond between a mother and her son. Every child expresses love differently, but many little boys look to their moms for comfort, encouragement, and reassurance. Those everyday hugs, cuddles, and “I love you, Mommy” moments are ones you’ll likely treasure for years to come.
Savor that special connection. One minute they’ll be full of energy, and the next they’ll melt into your arms for a cuddle.
Related: Mother and Son Bond: Why This Relationship Is So Special
Prepare for Physicality
Now, the connection your son craves with you or his peers may sometimes be rougher than you might expect. Many boys are active, physical, and hands-on in the way they play and connect with others. Many boys also show affection through active, physical play. So your son may be sitting and cuddling on your lap one moment, then try to tackle you to the floor the next.
Most of the time, he isn’t trying to hurt anyone. He’s simply full of energy and enjoying the physical way many boys naturally play. And that often seems most fun when someone else joins in.
So prepare to, at times, become a wrestling partner. Or to see little boys wrestling one another around the house. They need that connection! Instead of constantly trying to stop it, look for healthy outlets where he can safely burn off that energy. (I am a huge fan of the trampoline!)
Prepare for Different Kinds of Play
If I could give you one tip, know that little boys don’t always get as much of a kick out of putting something together as they might get from destroying it. One child may spend hours creating an elaborate world out of Play-Doh, while another gets just as much satisfaction from squishing it all into one giant brown ball. I’ve learned to let them enjoy playing the way they want, instead of trying to turn it into something I would enjoy. So if they’d rather tear apart a cardboard box and laugh about it than turn it into a house, so be it! And, of course, boys will create and build, too. It can go both ways.
Related: Best Boy Mom Quotes That Will Warm Your Heart
Prepare to Need Durable Household Items
For instance, I avoid wearing white, and I rarely buy my boys white clothing. If I do, I make sure it’s inexpensive. It’s just not worth the struggle. And I would never keep white linen cloth chairs at my kitchen table because I know I would be setting myself up to be frustrated with spills. (This may not only be a boy mom thing.) I also do not buy tables with glass or keep breakable items. Instead of having a glass vase, I have a metal one. Instead of a cloth ottoman, I have a wipeable leather ottoman! I would rather enjoy my sons than worry about them destroying something in my house. I still have a decorated house that I love. I just choose intentional pieces!
Prepare to Teach Body Boundaries
Little boys can be very comfortable with their bodies, which means you may find yourself having more conversations about private parts than you expected. It is completely normal for young children to be curious about their bodies.1
Your job is to teach privacy, body boundaries, proper names for body parts, and safety in a calm, age-appropriate way. There is no need to panic or shame their curiosity. Just keep the conversations simple, clear, and consistent.
And yes, you may still find yourself laughing or covering your eyes now and then. 😉
Related: 12 Tips to Successfully Potty Train Boys
Prepare to Guide Energy
I often kid that one of my main jobs as a boy mom is finding productive ways to channel their energy. If we sit too long, they end up getting wild. I’ve learned that when my boys have regular opportunities to move, everyone has a better day. So I’ve learned to be proactive about finding ways to channel that energy. If we have been sedentary for half the day, we will probably benefit from taking a bike ride or playing outside.
Prepare for Noise
A house with boys can be noisy. Very noisy. Whether banging on pots and pans, running around wrestling, or just being purely goofy and loud, I notice my house tends to be louder than other homes. And it’s not really until other people come over and point out the noise level that I even notice. Somehow, your tolerance slowly builds. My boys like to play, and with that comes noise! And instead of stopping the play, I just try to regulate the noise. If you seek to eliminate it, your children will be frustrated. So I think it’s important to know that a bit of noise isn’t bad! It probably means there is a lot of fun happening. You have to find a level that works for all parties.
And finally…
Prepare to Be Sweet Talked Day After Day After Day
I am convinced that little boys are born with a special way of making their moms feel adored. My boys have always been incredibly affectionate with me; it’s humbling. I think of that when people show me pity for having all boys. I often want to say you wouldn’t feel bad for me if you heard some of the things I hear in a week. “Mommy, you look pretty in that necklace.” “Mommy, you’re beautiful!” “Mommy, will you marry me?” The other night, I was putting my oldest son to bed, and as I kissed him, he sweetly said, “You’re my shooting star.” I mean, I have my own personal poets around me every day. What could be better?
Being a boy mom is many things: loud, physical, sweet, messy, exhausting, and incredibly rewarding. Above all, it’s a gift.
From the endless energy to the heart-melting hugs, life with boys is a wild and wonderful adventure. Savor every moment.
No two boys are alike, and every family’s story will be different. Trust yourself, enjoy the ride, and remember that many of the little moments you’re living today will become the memories you treasure most.
Cheers to boy moms!
