Comments on: Not A Mother Of Boys

By: Janine

Janine — Sun, 07 Jul 2013 11:53:38 +0000

In reply to Kim. I'm so sorry to hear that Kim. I hope your daughter can find her way through this difficult situation. What do they say? Bigger kids, bigger problems?? It isn't easy this mothering gig, whatever age they are.

By: Kim

Kim — Sun, 07 Jul 2013 03:20:17 +0000

I’m a bit behind on your blog as I’ve been so busy of late. This particular post really hits home today as I’ve had a drama filled weekend that is both frustrating and aggravating. I’ve raised 3 girls and their older brother. I’m proud to say my son will be 29 in August and has turned into a wonderful respectful kind caring young man. My girls are also amazing young ladies but I’m finding that it’s frustrating when you see the men they spend time with. My youngest daughter has been mistreated both mentally and physically by a young man I had thought the world of and its so very frustrating knowing that a lot of the issues this young man deals with are brought on by another single mother who instilled some beliefs and habits that obviously cause a lot of distress for him. It’s very difficult to care about a young man and the path he is headed towards and yet wanting to hurt him the way he has hurt your daughter. Life is so frustrating and difficult when all you want is what is best for your kids!

By: nmsullivan0909

nmsullivan0909 — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 23:30:13 +0000

the leaf does not fall far from the tree.

janine, i have a son, and he is turning out a lot like his father – respectful, helpful, not perfect – but lovely and loving. we’ll see. we have a lot of peer pressure and media to get through before he is grown, but so far, so good.
happy new week!

By: Janine

Janine — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 21:15:18 +0000

In reply to Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right. Go the boys!

By: Janine

Janine — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 21:15:02 +0000

In reply to Miranda. There are definitely challenges in raising girls too!

By: Miranda

Miranda — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 21:10:39 +0000

Sometimes I despair too. I despair when, while out at the local mall, my four year old son asks ‘Why is that lady only wearing her underpants?’ when he sees a shop front advertising women’s lingerie, women dressed provocatively and pouting. Advertising, ostensibly targeted at women, not-so-subtly teaching boys and girls that women should strive to be submissively coquettish, their bodies objectified and available. Go and look at your local mall and you’ll find all imagery out there does this to women. It’s everywhere and it’s so steeped in our culture that we don’t even notice it. I just thank Christ my four year old boy has the intelligence, perspective and wherewithal to question it and remind me to open my eyes and question it too.

By: Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right

Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 20:40:39 +0000

I’m like you – a house full of girls. But my 15yo daughter has many male friends and those who I have met are very impressive. She has a particular passion right now for calling out slut shaming, and she feels that generally the boys are more on her side than the girls.

By: Janine

Janine — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 11:05:59 +0000

In reply to Grown and Flown. I think that is such a struggle for all of us trying to counteract the messages sent by the larger culture.

By: Grown and Flown

Grown and Flown — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 10:53:47 +0000

Trying hard here with three boys, but as you so eloquently suggest the larger culture sometimes gives them a very different message. Wonderful post.

By: Janine

Janine — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 10:35:48 +0000

In reply to Natalie Hoye. I think both boys and girls benefit from seeing men doing equal responsibility for the caring and housework.