Encouraging the Adventurer in Your Son

I always LISTEN when my boys play together, but I don't always watch. That mom gene can kick in and I'll find myself correcting or interrupting their play because it doesn't look "safe." My heart likes to run, jostle in my chest, and leap off the ledge every time they do! Despite that, I know boys need the freedom to do "dangerous" and daring things! God put something in a man that gives him the drive to want to do things I'll later call BRAVE. I'm positive that hovering, nagging, and coddling are three of the worst things I can do for a man child. Their future wives will NOT thank me for raising up grown boys. I teach them to be confident by encouraging the adventurer in them. Boys learn by DOING. I teach them responsibility and accountability by GIVING them responsibilities, and I TRY not to tolerate weak excuses. Real talk: In their eternal drive to "be right," men learn how to talk in circles from childhood. LOL! Have NONE of it, sis! I do my best to encourage honesty and open communication.

I teach them respect and gallantry by reminding them to practice being men with me and their sister. I try SO HARD to let their father influence the boys without me inserting myself because I know kids need their fathers for growth. I fail at this A LOT. There are still areas where I have more to learn about how to LISTEN but not watch.

Sharee Moore is a wife, mother (4 amazing kids), author, editor, and writing coach who helps leaders finish and self-publish books. Visit Sharee on Facebook and Instagram at @GlowGirlSharee.