teaching my boy

Life with a three year old is… spirited. It’s lively and noisy. We do a lot of redirecting and correcting. Sometimes his behavior embarrasses us.

Like when we’re trying to leave church on Sunday morning and he’s wailing about wanting to take home all the gifts under the Angel Tree. We can try to explain to him that those gifts are for needy children, but he’s so loud in that moment that there’s not much we can do except walk away.

Three year old boys can be impulsive and have a serious lack of self control.

But as we drive home and I think about how to explain to him why he couldn’t have those gifts, I realize just how important it is for him to hear what I say.

And how important it is for me to teach him. This three year old is going to become a man.

So I’ll teach him to open doors for ladies.

To give more and never expect to receive.

To listen and be there for his friends.

To dance.

To always respect his father.

To think of his brother as his number one person. The one who’s always there for him.

To be generous.

To be a humble winner and a gracious loser.

To understand just how ugly it sounds to use foul language.

To do the dishes.

To work hard, but put family first.

To know how to separate laundry and what settings to use on the washing machine.

To know that no matter what, my arms are open and my heart will always be home for him.

Today in the car, he was singing “Go Tell it on the Mountain” at the top of his lungs. Not to be loud or obnoxious, but because he was happy and proud. And it was that carefree, agreeable kid that I love so much.

When I got him out of his carseat to come inside, he asked me to hold him. I picked him up and he put his hands on my face and grinned. And he said, “Mommy. I need to tell you something. I’m so proud of you.”

Oh, the ache. He has no idea.

And I just said, “I’m so proud of you, too, buddy.”

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Comments

  1. says

    Oh, the ending just made me cry…gah!!! I wrote a post very similar just this morning…I teach in a HS and see so many young boys with no manners. Or worrying too much. And I just want to stop them and teach them. But, alas, I am not their mother, but can hope and pray that I raise Cameron well.

    Great post!! Your writing always touches me. Thank you. 🙂

  2. says

    A boy will always look up to his mama so I think it’s great that you are willing to guide and teach your boys as they grown up to be men. Too often I think, Chivalry is dead. We need to get back to teaching the basics!

  3. Jaclyn Rose says

    As a momma of a 3 year old boy and another on the way, this post resonated with me so loudly, I actually teared up. I am going to print it out as a daily reminder of what a responsibility we have to these baby boys to help them grow into godly men.. What a responsibility, but oh what a joy! So thankful for my boys.. Thanks for the reminder.

  4. says

    As I wipe away the tears, I am also mentally bookmarking this post. My little guy is just 16 months, but I’m already cognizant of the responsibility that I have to teach him how to be a good, responsible, God-fearing man.

  5. says

    Wonderful post, Erin! We are doing the same with our son, and he constantly surprises us how much learns from us and our testimony! It’s wonderful to hear of so many parents doing the same, and a shame that there are so many who don’t.

  6. Shelley says

    I’ve read your blog for a little while, and now I am pregnant with my first child – a boy. I’ve really appreciated your insights and stories about your boys. Hopefully I can remember many of these things on the challenging days. 🙂 Your little guys will surely grow up to be wonderful, Godly men!

  7. says

    The same joy I feel when Joseph sings, “I’ve Got Peace Like a River” at the top of his lungs 🙂 I know I’ve done just one thing right.

  8. says

    I’m sorry you guys went through that, but I admit I did feel a little (ok a lot) of relief that I’m not alone in having a 3 year old boy who has the same “issues”. As frustrating his actions sometimes are, there are the sweet moments that just completely melt my heart.

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