Thursday, February 20, 2014

Helpful Hints for Raising a Boy?



So you all probably know I'm having a boy, Jack.

When I first got pregnant, I had always pictured me with a girl first.  Probably because I am a girl, and I thought I would know what to do with a girl.

I'm having a boy, and let me just admit to you, I am a little nervous.  Like  a lot nervous.

I've been thinking a lot lately about what I want to teach my son, and what I wish more boys knew.

I work at a High School, so I see a lot of ill-mannered boys every day.  I hope Jack never turns out as naughty as some of these boys, or as disrespectful.

That is one of my worst pet-peeves.  When kids are disrespectful, and sometimes just plain RUDE.

There is this one boy that goes here that is particularly bad.  The other day, I was talking to one of the girls that I knew even before I worked here, and we were talking about how I am the luckiest because my husband helps so much (Keith cooks (ALL THE TIME) and cleans, and helps with everything around the house... except laundry, but that's mostly because I won't let him do the laundry...)

When this boy heard that, he said, out loud, that girls now-a-days expect everything to be handed to them, and they don't want to do anything anymore, they just want men to do it for them....  UMMM EXCUSE ME?!?

I think it is equal opportunity, especially in a house where both parents work outside of the home, no one spends more time at home than the other, and even if there was a stay-at-home mom involved, she has to take care of the kids ALL DAY. The spouse could surely help out when he got home.

So..
Hopping off my soap box, I have started compiling a list of things I want to teach Jack, so he is not one of those rude disrespectful, mean, sexist children.

1. There is no such thing as "woman's work" or "man's work"  It is family work that everyone should help with.

2. Say please, and thank you.

3. When you need help, ask for it, politely, and then pay attention and help the helper help you.  This is how you LEARN!

4. Boys who cook are the coolest.

5. Boys who clean are even cooler.

6. Always be clean and well groomed.  No one likes a slob.

7. Accept others as they are.

8. Never EVER call anyone names.  Words hurt so much more than actions sometimes.

9. There is a time and place for playing.  Learn what it is, and when you should just sit down and behave.

10. If you love or appreciate someone, tell them, and tell them often.  You never know when the opportunity will pass.

Do you have anything more to add?

What do you wish more kids knew?

What did you teach your son?

Also... here's a bump picture :)





4 Thoughts:

Amy said...

So I don't see the bump picture... still to come? Anyway, I think you're down the right track and I'm excited for you. Will you please share when you know HOW to teach all of these things - because I would love to learn.
The one thought I had in reference to your #1 is something I learned from a cleaning/organizational website. It talks about "blessing" your home and ever since then I've tried not to use the words "chores" or "work" when it's time to clean up. I call it a "job" (we all have jobs, Dad has a job, I have a job and the kids have jobs.) And I really like the idea of cleaning the house as blessing our family. Anyway, can't wait for Baby Jack!

Unknown said...

This is awesome! So many great tips that are very true. I looked back to when I was a young lad and some of these things mentioned were things my parents, especially my mother, taught me how to do. Love it!

Kayla @ DoodleBug Designs said...

Your mother must have done well! :)

Kayla @ DoodleBug Designs said...

There's a baby bump picture from last week in the previous post ;) There will be another one this afternoon! I can't believe we are getting so close!!

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