1. Boys are sensitive. Don’t be fooled by the stereotypes peddled by the media – boys can be thoughtful too. When you have boys, the assumption is that they’re these delightfully naughty, cheeky monkeys – always loud and boisterous. This is so one dimensional. Yes, my boys can be noisy, but they’re also incredibly sweet and thoughtful too. Things upset them; they worry; they like cuddles – it’s not all muddy knees and shouting.
2. They give their affection freely and their moods don’t last long. I’ve always found my boys to be pretty easy-going and uncomplicated when it comes to cuddles and affection. Of course, they get grumpy and uncommunicative, but it never lingers for very long. You know when you get a hug, it’s heartfelt. They move on from an argument very quickly (I struggle to keep up, I have to say!).
3. They grow out of trousers very quickly. No matter how many pairs I buy, my eldest son’s trousers keep getting too short. Or they get holes in their knees. I never buy expensive trousers for them as it simply isn’t worth it. Instead, I invest in really nice tops and t-shirts which last a lot longer!
4. Despite their sensitive side, there’s no denying that boys are definitely noisy and benefit from plenty of exercise and unstructured time (especially outdoors). I’m glad that our school is increasingly recognising this, and offering activities like Forest School during the day. In the summer, when they get home, they like nothing more than a bit of time in the garden – poking about in the dirt with no one nagging them.
5. They rarely like vegetables. I’m sure there are some exceptions to this rule, but they’re few and far between! Despite reading all the weaning books, doing all the baby-led stuff and the pureed this-and-that, my two still dislike vegetables. My eldest is a bit better now, as school dinners have trained him to ‘tolerate’ vegetables, but my youngest will do anything to avoid the green stuff. Their daddy loves cabbage though, so maybe I’ll wear them down eventually…
6. They have the most amazing memories. I can never be allowed to forget anything – especially if it involves promises of Lego or sweets.
7. They hate wearing coats. Actually, my eldest is a bit better about this now, but my youngest would always rather freeze.
8. Sun cream is also deeply undesirable. Can someone invent a sun-cream that can be taken like Calpol? It would make my life so much easier.
9. Pink girly things exert a weird fascination for them. They love all the usual boys toys, but they’re often drawn to the novelty of something pink and glittery – it seems so different and glamorous in the sludge-like world of boys clothes and products.
10. They love to bake. Who says baking is just for girls? No way.
What have I missed? I’d love to hear from you! x
Very fine observations from the school of experience! XXXXX
Ha ha, yes I’m sure there’s still an awful lot to learn! x
Boys are gorgeous, lucky children to have such great parents. I love your photo, incredibly beautiful, just look at the water movement, it would make s great watercolour!!
This is favourite photo of mine – taken at Wicken Fen!
Its so true about their emotions they are very loving indeed. Surprisingly.
Few things better than boy cuddles 🙂
As a mum of 3 boys I can only concur! And I’d add to 4. thinking of your boys are like sheepdogs can help!!! I.e. give them a run, give them outdoors, and give them mental stimulation every day. To 5. I did the same with my boys as little ones. The eldest won’t eat fish or anything along the lines of squash/sweet potato/aubergine/tomato. The middle one loves all that and eats most things, though not plain potatoes or any sauce with obvious green bits (despite often eating the separate veg fine). The youngest is the fussiest eater and would exist on potatoes and beans if he could. He doesn’t like burgers, sausages, etc. Did he get burnt by a barbecue in a previous life?! Oops this reply is getting a bit long! Except to say on 8. that if I had any chemical engineering experience I’d manufacture a spray-on suncream tattoo that goes on like a spray-tan and lasts 3 months. Can you imagine?!!
Oh my, the semi-permanent sun cream spray would be amazing. Some one needs to invent one! 🙂
I know this is an old blog post, but I stumbled across you by accident and this post interested me because I have…two boys!
I use this on my boys a lot – Colore Science sunforgettable Broad Spectrum SPF 50. It’s a suncream POWDER and it’s brilliant. I actually got it for me because I’m outside a lot when I teach and I’m very fair. I can’t bear applying and reapplying suncream; it’s all oily and it makes my hands sore, gets in my hair, etc. so I tried this. It comes in a tube with a brush attached, so you just grab them, tap it, so it gets on the brush, swoosh it on their necks / ears / faces (even arms, feet, legs…). Sometimes I put cream on once before we go out and then I use this to top up during the day. It has never let me down and sometimes it’s the only thing I’ve used. Maybe it could work for you guys too x