Being a parent of a boy does not make me an expert, but I’ve learnt a few things along the way. Recently for some reason I’ve had other parents with younger boys ask me if I have any tips. There are actually a few things I wish we’d known before becoming parents of a boy. So, this is my version on how to cope with parenting boys.

Reflexes

You know about these, and some parents have them better than others. I’ve discovered that mine are so much better than what they used to be. People have told me they seem to get stronger when you’re a parent of a boy. He throws a piece of potato across the room, I try and sometimes successfully manage to catch it. However something gets lobbed and you missed what it was. You weren’t paying attention sometimes resulting in a mark or dent somewhere. I can confidently say that I’m getting better at catching!

Magic powers

These magic powers are not your run of the mill powers. Having the ability to be in two places at once isn’t essential but would be desirable. That particular skill is only required if you have more than one child. I am lucky enough to have one (and he really is a miracle).

However my miracle is a daily dawdler, with a lot of things he does. He is really into magic powers so I use this to my advantage. Most days I tell him that I’ve put magic powers in his shoes to get him moving in the mornings. It works like a charm!

The ability to be a good loser

I know you can tell them till your are blue in the face that it’s not a game. They still try and beat you. They always want to win, whatever they’re doing. William loves to get to the top of the stairs first, who can drink their drink quicker. I tried to show him how to be a good loser but I even lost at that!

Thick skin

It is extremely essential when having children to have a thick skin. William is always doing this whining noise, like a baby. It grinds through my whole body when he does it and sometimes I react to it. I can hear my mum telling me to ignore it then he’ll stop doing it. Yes, this does actually work! The new game is telling daddy that he loves mummy more or vice versa to get what he wants. I don’t have any problems with this (thick skin comes in handy for this). My usual response can be, “Okay that’s fine if you love daddy more than mummy. But mummy loves daddy more than William!” Once or twice this has backfired. However, the majority of the time he remembers and takes back what he has said.

Looking forward to ‘your day’

I’ve had three consecutive weeks of having a day to myself. I drop him at preschool in the morning and for five hours after that is my own time. This week it was an overdue facial at Clarins that my husband at bought for me as a Christmas 2019. Last week I had my nails done for the first time since lockdown and the week before that was hair cut. Followed by lunch out with him-in-doors enjoying the peace and quiet.

This morning I read an article on how to reclaim your time as a mum. This is exactly what I should’ve read in the beginning of our parenting journey.

I think if you can get time to yourself on a regular basis, it does actually help. I used to read all these posts of time out for mums and think what a load of ***. I am quite skeptical, however I am going to say don’t knock it till you try it.

If not brush up on your other skills, because boy oh boy you will absolutely need them!! I hope that this post has helped you on your journey on how to cope with parenting boys!