BOYS SHOULD BE BOYS - WEEK 7 CHAPTER 8

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

What a powerful chapter. I began googling some updated statistics. I'll share a couple in the comments, but the truth is we all know this. I've got to rabbit trail here for a moment. We may have some single mothers who are reading this. We are not here to heap loads of weight onto your already heavy burden. Take heart! There are ways to strengthen your situation for your kids. The Lord provides if you allow Him to. I've seen it time and again! I just needed to throw that in here! Mommas, there's no getting around the fact that our boys need their dads, and if the dad is not around, they need a significant other male figure contributing in their life! . They need certain things from them, that we cannot give them! I've visibly seen it with my eyes with regards to my son. There is a men's club that every boy desires to join, and his father is the one who gives him access. If there is not a father on the scene for whatever reason, it is possible for another man that has significantly invested in your son's life to grant access.

The three things a boy needs from his dad: blessing, love, and self-control. She absolutely nailed it on the head here.

 Blessing is a rite of passage. It says, "I am proud of you. I am launching you out, but you go with my full love and support." There is a significant change in the relationship when the blessing occurs, a leaving of boyhood behind and the emergence of a respected peer in its place.

Love requires both time and affection. It says I am available to you. You mean that much to me that I choose you over extra work, over my phone, over my hobbies, etc. Some dads hug, some shake their son's hand, some slap on the back, but all convey the same meaning, I love you. You are valuable to me.

Self-control. I see this play out day in and day out in our house. My husband is constantly modeling how to handle all kinds of situations to our son. My husband is so good at easing difficult situations with people. I honestly don't know how he does it, but I have watched him in action many times. I pray that my son learns that gift.

Okay, enough thoughts from me! It's your turn!