I have learned that little boys are wonderful,fun and exciting. I did not always feel this way though!
At the beginning it seemed overwhelming and challenging at times, because these little boys never stopped moving, making messes and wanting to run and jump and go go go. My daughter,who is the oldest, was the easiest toddler you can imagine. I never understood the families with a bunch of little boys...that would cause all sorts of chaos...why they could not get those boys to sit still like my perfect little girl.I wondered what they were doing wrong. Seven years later I find myself the proud Mother of three very active boys....that do not sit still like my wonderful daughter. Adjusting to this new energy in my house was very hard at first.....until I learned a priceless lesson.
I always have the choice to focus on the negative aspect of raising boys, or on the positive.This sounds so simple, but when put in practice it can change our lives and our homes.
I have learned that these little spirits are loved by my Heavenly Father and he has so much love towards each one of them. The love he has for them can not even be put into words. It is endless.When dwelling on the negative in our boys, we are choosing to allow the adversary into our hearts and the way that we parent.
With this knowledge I have learned;
That I can focus on how exhausting it can be when their never ending energy, never ceases to wear off... Or I can focus on how lucky I am to have such strong and healthy children.
When I see legs and arms and hands that want to climb, and touch and explore...I can focus on how much I want them to hold still.. Or I can focus on how wonderful it is that they want to explore and learn about the world.
When I see little boys wanting to run,and run, and jump and run some more...I can focus on the chaos exploding around me.... Or how wonderful it is that my boys will be amazing athletes and are developing coordination and strength.
When I see little boys dressed up as super hero's, who really believe they are saving the world...I can focus on how much noise they make while they pretend to fly around the room, shoot "webs," sword fight with one another, or pull out their guns made from their hands, to save the wild wild west.... Or I can be grateful that they have wonderful imaginations, and how lucky they are to have each other as playmates who love each other, only the way a brother can.
When the little busy toddler tears apart everything in site, and pulls dishes out of the dishwasher,and throws laundry over the deck...I can stress over the mess... Or I can be thankful that he is so intelligent, and be glad he is so curious and loves to discover the world.
When my dear boy does not listen....I can focus on how disobedient he is... Or I can have patience and remember that we as adults are not perfect either.
When little hands make prints and messes all over....I can scold those tiny hands...and get angry.... Or I can teach these little hands how to wipe up a mess and kiss their sticky cheek.
When they rough house and wrestle....I can wish they would be be serene and sober... Or I can be grateful they have a way to bond as brothers, express themselves ,play with Daddy, and ofcourse defeat the "bad guy" that they are imagining at that very moment.
When they really do fight and get upset...I can react just like them..and lose my temper and get mad back... Or I can teach them about kindness and remember that they are little people who are learning to manage their emotions.
When they are stubborn and strong willed...I can try and break them, and make them timid and unsure... Or I can understand what a great leader I have on my hands, and find ways for him to use these gifts in a positive way.
When they get pee....everywhere...I can get mad..mad...mad... Or I can give them a cleaning kit and use these cleaning sessions as a way to teach him to be a hard worker, and the best toilet scrubber around. His wife will thank me for that..haha!
When they are bouncing,running, moving, throwing, yelling, shooting, and being normal boys...I can lose my mind... Or I can be thankful for the excitement and energy these adventurous boys bring into our lives.
I have learned that we always..always can focus on the positive or the negative. There is always more positive in everything, if we can see it. The positive or negative attitude we have, is a direct reflection about how we feel about ourselves. When we feel positive about ourselves and our lives...we will find it very easy to see the good in others. When we are full of negative energy we will attract more of it into our lives! This is true when parenting.
The job I have as a Mother is my highest priority and I know that giving my children a positive home and positive parents, will bless their lives and bring peace and joy. It is so important to reflect on our attitudes and see if we are being negative as parents, or in general.When I find I am being negative, I know I need try harder to see the good. We are able to feel the spirit so much stronger when our hearts are full of love and light. Negative feelings do not come from God. Letting go of negative attitude will help us feel the spirit so much stronger and I know I need the spirit to help guide me as I take care of my kids.
I have learned that I find joy in raising active boys when I have a good outlook.I have learned that when I focus on the positive..I have fun with my boys playing and being active and going on adventures.
I have learned that comparing my kids to others only happens when I am being negative.
I have learned that seeing every child and person around us in a positive light, multiply's the joy we have in our family and home.
Most importantly, when we we focus on the good in our kids, they are more likely to become that wonderful person. When we choose to focus on all the wrong things they do and all their weaknesses, they will live up to those beliefs.
We only get one shot at raising these amazing boys. I would never want to look back and wonder why I spent so much time looking at the negative and not letting the joy in. I love raising boys! I feel like such a lucky Mother to have these wonderful children. I am grateful for the lessons I learn along the way.I know there are more lessons to come. I am grateful for this time I have on earth to feel joy, love and peace within my family. I would not trade these amazing moments I have with my children for anything in the world. I have learned...that I love raising boys!
