Children have many needs: to be clothed, to be fed, to be loved and to be protected. However, children need other things, which may be different for each parent.
The bond between a mother and son is special. And there are certain things your growing son needs that only you, as his mother, can provide. You could say that about any child, but for boys, the bond is just different, and young boys need to have a good relationship with their mothers for many reasons.
That being said, whether you’re new to raising a son or just looking for affirmation and advice, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are 7 things a boy needs from his mother.
Tokens of affection.
Little boys need to be hugged, kissed, cuddled and shown that they are loved. They need to understand how important love and affection are, so they don’t have to be afraid to show them to others.
Avoid harsh criticism and overindulgence.
In a study of the role of criticism and maternal over-involvement in a man’s predisposition to defiance, researchers found a strong link between the two. In turn, try to avoid harshly criticizing your son or giving him too much attention. There is a middle ground, and to avoid behavioural problems, it may be best to find it.
Be an example for him.
Little boys are becoming men, and they are sponges who, while they may not always listen to what we say, mimic what we do. So if you want him to grow up to be a strong, compassionate man, it’s important to set an example.
Discipline him.
Discipline does not mean beating your child. Discipline means you teach him right from wrong and how to manage and control himself. Children need consequences when their behavior is unacceptable, and discipline is a form of love.
Be patient and understanding.
He’s going to make mistakes, everyone does. Rather than making a big deal out of the little bumps in the road, be there for him. Show him how to bounce back, and don’t lose patience.
Comfort.
Many people act as if comforting a boy makes him weak, and that couldn’t be further from the truth. Strength isn’t just playing hard to get, and needing comfort doesn’t make him weak. When your son needs to be comforted, comfort him.
Teach him responsibility.
Show him how to put away his laundry, teach him how to cook his meals, ask him to take out the garbage, and show him how to manage his money. If you don’t, he may grow up believing that cooking and cleaning are female tasks, rather than life responsibilities.
