BOYS SHOULD BE BOYS - WEEK 1 CHAPTERS 1 -2

BOYS SHOULD BE BOYS: 7 SECRETS TO RAISING HEALTHY SONS by Meg Meeker, M.D.

UPDATED

The floor is open to you to comment on Chapters 1-2. I want to let each of you have the opportunity to share first about what struck you in these chapters, what your take aways were, encouragements, etc. I will add my own thoughts later on today.

MY THOUGHTS -

Recently, one of you who is reading this, told me they cried as they read the first two chapters. I get that. The disappearance of boyhood is serious. Reading this week's chapters, I kept getting a picture of Arliss from the old Disney classic, Swiss Family Robinson. Remember that great movie? Arliss is constantly running and tumbling with animals, covered in mud, blowing coconut bombs up, and digging a tiger pit. He's adventurous, conquering the world around him (notice I didn't say the people- he's not ruling his parents), processing everything around him. Let's take that thought and move into current day. How many of us have heard the older generation mourn the fact that there are no sweaty, sun-kissed/freckle faced kids outside anymore when they drive past houses? I have. More times than I can count.

I am all in on the 3 foundational parts needed for a boy's life- God, parents, siblings/friends. God- the one who has created him, who has placed the priceless value on his life. PARENTS- the ones sheltering, navigating, training, loving him day in and day out. Sibs and friends - the ones he'll grow up with, who wrestle and explore the world with him, who stand alongside him when the going gets tough, who know him inside and out.

I have seen the "Boys will do virtually anything their father wants them to do" in action in my own home with my son. Why? Because that is the role that he will someday fill. He is learning alongside and desires the respect of the very one that he will become some day in his own home.

I try and teach way too much. There are those that believe every moment is a teachable moment, and I get that. However, there are moments that we just need to be still with each other, laugh with each other, etc.

"Television is a dumping ground where callous advertisers and pop culture pimps pour their trash..." I loved that quote, but that expands so much beyond TV now. Can anyone say social media? Oh, it can be used for productivity, but the majority of it is worthless content designed to just keep us occupied and addicted and not just our sons! This Momma's preaching to the choir right now!

Did the statistics surprise you? Remember, they're 17 years old. Do you think they've improved? Not a chance! The morality hasn't increased in those years, so why would those numbers be moving in more positive directions? We live in a world that tells us to find our own truth and to search inside ourselves. Folks, if we're lost, and I believe those numbers reinforce the idea that many are, you're not going to find the truth in yourself.

This may seem like a downer place to stop, but know there is an answer to all of this! I'd love to hear from you!