Raising a Better Boyfriend

10-20-11

I have raised the best boyfriends!

I stood outside the gate of the boys’ school, chatting with another mom, while we waited anxiously for our kindergarteners to be released. Dax was near the front, smiling happily at me, clearly using all of his strength to not push past the other kids to get to me.

Mrs. Fasheh had seen me already and was telling Dax he could go. Dax, however, stopped and tugged lightly at her hand. It was at this point I knew that whomever my little man married would be the luckiest person in the world.

“Mrs. Fasheh, isn’t my mom’s hair nice?” His voice was booming enough to carry his kind words to every parent there. The collective, “awww” was awesome, and I was so proud of my son.

What was especially great about these simple words was the purity involved. This wasn’t a ploy to get me to buy him a toy. This wasn’t his way of distracting anyone as he made a mess. This was true and genuine admiration for how his mom looked at this moment.

As if complimenting my style wasn’t enough, when we arrived home, I was treated to yet another wonderful exclamation.

“Wow, Mom! You cleaned the house! It looks fantastic! Thanks, Mom!” Bobby danced through the living room, impressed with my simple sweeping that I had done before retrieving them from school. I had done something that was necessary, but the appreciation from my 6 year old made it seem like I had gone to great lengths to better his living experience.

My boys notice the little things. They are thankful and express it often. It is these gestures that I do encourage, but never expect. I think that combination of teaching, along with their already kind hearts, will help them in the long run.

I have known men who treat their mothers poorly. I have known men who have treated their mother with disrespect. I have known men who have simply been indifferent to the woman who brought them into this world. I feel confident that when Bobby and Dax grow up, they will not be those men. Sure, their girlfriends may resent their mama boy status, but I think in the long run, they will thank me for the attention they will receive from them.