There's a special bond between mothers and sons. Women raising boys have the power to shape the next generation of men and those to come by teaching their kids important lessons.
- To express his emotions because bottling them up eventually makes a person explode.
- To say "ladies first," hold doors open for women, and give his date the jacket off his back when he or she is cold because the world is moving forward in wonderful ways but that doesn't mean chivalry has to die.
- To put the toilet seat down after he pees, change his sheets frequently, learn to cook, and do laundry.
- To channel his energy through sports, art, dance, the written word — whatever his passion may be.
- That even the biggest fight should be settled with the mind rather than fists.
- That not following the group doesn't make him a loser, but his own leader.
- To stick up for the underdog even if it makes him an outcast.
- That he has the power to make an amazing difference in life.
- To worry less about whether she's proud of him and more about having pride in himself.
- Smiles are free so be generous with them.
Del Gatto
Galeries Lafayette
Great Plains
This is a great list - I'm glad manners are on it - because it is definitely difficult to instill them in an adult
1eh its important to know that fights should end with words.
but your boy should definately know how to throw a decent punch.
2@Diamond - LOL! I totally agree!
3I have a boy of 8 and this list is a good reminder for me.
4I disagree that a boy should know how to throw a punch. Why? What use would he ever get from that? I think it's more important to teach my son how to avoid physical conflicts. It's much better to solve things without resorting to violence. I want my son to use his brain, not his fists. And I am totally with Shayna on the manners! I can't stand little rude brats!
5While I agree with the list, I have to add that, in my case, as with other mothers of color, #1 has to be taught carefully or else her son(s) wants the label of "scary black man", "scary Latino man", "scary Asian Man" or "scary man of color".
Yeah, life lessons are a lot different to many Americans.
6The list should have included to not look at a woman as a walking body part. we have a brain.
7We don't have a son, but i wished my mother in-law taught her son (my husband)how to appreciate the person that keeps the house clean, clothes clean and to show that appreciation by picking up after himself or at least say thank-you. Before we married, my husband was a neat-freak. Now that he has a "maid" he leaves dirty clothing and dirty paper towels, crumbs everywhere. In the morning when he leaves for work, he steps over the garbage bag sitting by the front door to avoid taking it to the dumpster.
8On #3, maybe we should all PUT THE LID DOWN, that way everyone has to remember equally.
9It's funny we just wrote a post on "Daddies and Daughters" today.
Anyway, you've covered most of the important lessons. Great list!
"Being in touch with his emotions"
"Believing in himself"
"Be a good friend"
"Find his passion"
I've paraphrased, but these are my favorites.
10Come visit sometime. Take care!
Having raised one son to adulthood and a second following closely behind, the most important things I have taught my boys is that people are more important than things and love is free so don't be afraid to love others unconditionally...I have been accused of raising a new generation of hippies
11Amanda - That's great in theory. But in reality, some day someone will hit your son. There's too many jerks in the world for it to never happen. So you can teach him how to defend himself, or you can let him get his butt kicked.
There's nothing wrong with teaching someone to defend themselves as a last resort.
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