Boys.

I love them.

I have 3 of them.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

But...

Sometimes I don't feel equipped to be their mom. Am I too impatient? How active is okay? How loud is okay? What is a normal number of times to ask them to do something? What is the line that needs to be drawn in order to tame their "wild hearts?

Before I had Archer, my 6 year old, I was recommended to read the book Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson. It was great! I read it start to finish. I was encouraged.

Then I had Archer. Then Beau. Then Cole.

Yesterday, I went digging. I needed a little guidance, encouragement, and advice on "bringing up my boys." I opened the book and these were the first few treasures I found. I thought I'd share them with you, in case you needed a little reminder that you're not alone!

{Boys are bent on making messes, teasing the other siblings, racing through the house, and challenging every decision and order that comes their way.}   ...Amen to that!

{Although individual temperaments vary, boys are designed to be more assertive, audacious, and excitable than girls are.}   ...Yessssss!

{Boys need structure, they need supervision, and they need to be civilized.}   ...Hallelujah!

{...need requests clearly outlined... are slower to learn from their calamities...}  ... Amen!

{I urge you as parents not to resent or try to eliminate the aggressive and excitable nature that can be so irritating. That temperament is part of a divine plan. Celebrate it. Enjoy it. Thank God for it. But also understand that it needs to be shaped, molded, and "civilized". }  ...Oh.my.goodness!

Thanks, Dr. Dobson, I needed that. Bad.