A few months back I read a blog post (someone please stop me from reading so many blog posts...) about a mother who was so happy she was the mother of boys because she was okay with their craziness and didn't worry about their injuries and enjoyed their antics and let them be wild soon-to-be-men, not like those moms who worried over scrapes and bruises. I read that article and came away deflated.
I'm not that kind of woman.
I don't get into wild wrestling matches where someone will inevitably get injured.
I don't think farts are that funny.
I'm not into hunting.
I'm not into fishing.
I'm not even into sports all that much.
I don't like mud.
I don't understand the fascination with destruction and violence.
I like my house clean.
I like girly movies.
I like having pretty hair and fun clothes.
I like quiet activities like reading.
Seriously, why do I have three boys to my name?
Well, after pondering the question for the last several months, I have come up with the following list of reasons why I am a good mom for my three boys:
1) I'm okay with being a girl.
Seriously, don't underestimate that one. I am glad my boys will see a female who (at least most of the time) is okay with the gender I've been given. I'm not going to tear myself down every day complaining about how awful it is to be a girl. In fact, I am going to work to be thankful for it, even proud of it. Because if they see that a woman can represent her gender with peace and dignity, maybe they will have more respect for her unique challenges and abilities.
2) I like girly things.
Hey, they need some variety in life, right? And when they at last find the female of their dreams, they will know what a curling iron is, and how to say, "You look very nice." Maybe I will even produce offspring who enjoy a good Jane Austin film and that will aid them in their quest to find said female of their dreams.
But...
3) I also like having fun adventures.
Talk is good, but talking while walking is even better. I like having fun. I like doing things. I like making memories through activity. This mom will do things with them and love it.
4) I'm a good cook.
The way to man's heart is through his stomach. Those teenage guy friends are totally going to say, "Let's go to your house... your mom is making food." Oh yes.
5) I'm not depressed about not having a girl. And I will say that.
I kid you not, I was asked, by someone who I'm sure meant no offense, "So were you finally blessed with a girl?"
Uhhhh... "No. But we feel blessed anyway." (For serious???)
6) I am not an overly dramatic girl.
I have my moments, but overall I consider myself mostly level-headed and not prone to freak-out dramatics and hysteria. My boys will grow up seeing that women can be rational, practical, and not dependent on manipulating situations through emotional over-reaction.
I also am not easily moved by drama. Truly. Throw your tantrum somewhere else. (Because boys can be dramatic too.)
But...
7) I'm also a sensitive girl.
Mass hysteria, not good. Emotional stone wall, also not good. I think I have a good shot at showing them that vulnerability doesn't have to mean weakness, and tears aren't just for funerals and injuries.
8) I'm not a germ-o-phobe.
Need I say more?
9) I'm a country girl at heart.
While my boys are young and fascinated with all things tractors and machinery, it's kind of nice to enjoy living in farm country. And I even know the names of a few machines, although they are rapidly passing me up in that knowledge.
Last but CERTAINLY not least:
10) God gave them to me.
If He hadn't wanted me to raise boys, He wouldn't have given them to me. I am uniquely qualified to raise my boys. I have been equipped to raise three in a row. I have the approval and indwelling power of Christ to do so. Sounds like a good enough reason to me.
But please, don't let my personal ra-ra list make you feel inadequate! What are the reasons you are the best parent for your kids?
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