The Truth About Boys

Having two boys has opened me up to a lot of new experiences.  And while Tyler and Ryan are different, they are still very much BOYS.  I recently posed a question to a group of mothers of boys to see if the type of behavior I've been witnessing lately is normal.  Not that I doubt my husband's opinion on how little boys behave.  It's just that...this is new territory for me! My findings over the past 6 1/2 years are this. 


Boys are loud.  And I think Tyler is louder than most.  He has this high pitched scream he does when he is super excited and playing.  Think red head running and screaming "ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh" at the top of his lungs in the house, neighborhood, wherever.  Oh dear Lord.  It's so loud!

Boys are rough.  So, technically Tyler is not really all that rough but when he is around the neighborhood boys, they wrestle, sword fight, push, jump, etc.  I cringe every time they do this thinking they are hurting each other.  Oh no, my friends.   Apparently, this is what boys do.  If a boy gets hurt, he gets up, brushes off his hands, mentally considers not sharing his snack, and then get back into the game.

Boys love potty humor.  Ok, I knew this about boys, but seriously what is it with the burping and farting?  And is it really THAT funny?  Apparently, boys never outgrow this phase either.  I know this because I'm married to a man who snickers at his own sounds.  Imagine sitting at a dinner table when someone lets one loose.  The table erupts in laughter.  Mom exits the scene exclaiming she didn't sign up for this.

Boys make weird noises.  Tyler comes up with the craziest sounds that make me shake my head in confusion.  I find myself telling him to stop making noises 24/7.  Every moment of the day is accompanied by these strange alien-like sounds. 

" bedabedadedabedabedabeda"  (imagine this in a high pitched and fast tone)

This sound can be for action figures fighting each other.  This sound can be for homework time.  This sound is for EVERYTHING.

I don't think he even knows when he's doing it either because right after I tell him to stop, he does it a minute later.  And what's awesome is that Ryan is starting to make the same sounds his brother is making. 

Boys inadvertently will mess with their....well, you know.  I was prepared for this and read what not to say and how to handle this.  So, when I notice it, I immediately say, "hands up!"  Seems to do the trick.  For now.

Boys do not have the gene for aiming.  My 6 1/2 year old has been potty trained for years, however those first thing in the morning bathroom stops are a deal breaker.  "Aim, Tyler...Aim!"

I grew up obviously doing girly things, so raising boys is an interesting challenge for me.  I've had to learn along the way, and this is only the beginning of this journey.  However, there is no denying this:

Boys love and protect their mommas.  And that makes all of the above worth it.