Brother’s Day celebrates the bond between brothers – an amazing gift that should be cherished.
Happy International Brother’s Day!
When I gave birth to my older son, almost 13 years ago this September, someone bought me a book called Mother To Son, by Melissa and Harry Harrison. The book was life lessons on how to raise a boy- something I knew nothing of.
When I was pregnant with my first child, I had no idea what I was having. My husband and I didn’t want to know the sex (well really, he didn’t want to know). What I DID know, was that I was a beached whale. My father called me Orca instead of Erica. I had zits, out of control cellulite, and a rump roast. I barfed all 9 months. In other words… all the signs of carrying a girl!
When I pushed out a boy, I was shocked. How could I have just given birth to a BOY? I, the biggest “girly girl” with a childhood collection of 65 Barbies, had even been a ballet teacher. I loved dresses and tea parties! I had no clue how to care for a boy. But, of course like everything in life, ya learn fast when given no choice.
When I gave birth a second time, to a second boy, I admit, I had REALLY hoped for pink this time. We only wanted two children, and this was my last chance for pig tails and tutus. But this time, I was in the driver’s seat. I knew the drill. Another boy? A cinch.
During one nighttime feeding with my second son, I picked up this book again, Mother To Son. I laughed till I peed, I cried till snot came out of my nose, and immediately this became my favorite book.
So today, in honor of Brother’s Day, I will share a few of my favorites from Mother To Son. Especially if you’re a mom of boys, ENJOY!
IN THE BEGINNING:
“Don’t forget that as a baby, he will always be looking for your face. It will be this way forever.”
“The more you talk to him, the sooner he’ll talk to you.”
“Relax. Throwing food is normal. Heck, throw back.”
“It’s okay if he falls down. What’s important is that he picks himself back up again.”
THE TODDLER YEARS:
“His tears will break your heart. So will his smiles.”
“If you make fun of him, he’ll learn to be shy.”
“He’ll continue to whine for as long as it works.”
“From you, he’ll learn the importance of telling the truth. Be a good role model.”
“Play catch with him. He won’t really care if you can’t catch a ball or throw a perfect pass.”
“Remember, your encouragement breeds confidence. It always will.”
“Don’t let his father forget that his son is still a little boy.”
“Don’t tolerate his tantrums. Ever.”
“Teach him how to set the table. This will amaze future girlfriends.”
SPORTS:
“He’ll always look for you at his games. Sit where he can see you.” (Made me cry. No clue why).
“Remember, perfectly sane moms tend to freak out during soccer tryouts.”
“If he’s old enough to play, he’s old enough to carry his own equipment.”
GRADE SCHOOL:
“Remember, he’s probably hungry. Even if he just ate.”
“Teach him to hang up his clothes, even if it’s just easier to pick them up yourself.”
“When he dresses himself, tell him he looks great. Don’t worry about what others might think.”
“DON’T miss his school plays. Even if his role is ‘Tree #2.’ ”
“Talk to him about saving for the future. Give him a piggy bank.”
“Teach him to wipe his mouth on a napkin, not on his shirt.” (Love)
“The longer you baby him, the longer he’ll stay a baby.”
“If you discover HE’S the bully, realize something is very wrong. Usually at home.”
MIDDLE SCHOOL:
“Keep kissing him goodnight. Even if he doesn’t kiss back now.” (Crying again)
“Look him in the eye and tell him that if he ever starts doing drugs, his life as he knows it will come to an end.”
“Play Beethoven in the mornings. It will calm everybody down.”
“Don’t be upset that you can’t afford everything he wants. A small country couldn’t even afford everything he wants.”
“Do not let one single disrespectful comment slide. Ever. ”
“He’s ready to learn about girls. He can either learn from you, or from MTV.”
“He will start using copious amounts of cologne. You might have to stagger outside for air.”
“Be a part of his world. Know what games he plays, what shows he watches, what music he’s listening to.”
“Don’t ask his teachers for special favors. They’ll think of your son as someone whose mom is looking after him. That kind of reputation will follow him for years.”
“If he complains other kids get a bigger allowance or more things, don’t give in. He’ll live.”
GIRLS:
“If he becomes paralyzed when a girl says hello, you’ll know he’s discovered the opposite sex.”
“Don’t push him into a romantic relationship. Not now. Not ten years from now. Not ever.
HIGH SCHOOL:
“Remember you’re still one of his most important role models.”
“If he knows he can come to you with a problem, he will.”
“Learn the difference between supporting him, and rescuing him.”
“To your amazement, he will want clothes that cost more than his dad’s do. This is when you sit him down and explain the concept of getting a job.” (Love it!)
“He will want to talk at the most odd, mysterious, inconvenient times. Stop what you’re doing and talk.”
“If he does get a speeding ticket, don’t try to get it fixed. Send him to court. Wearing a tie.” (love)
“Remember if he smells odd to you, he smells odd to the world.”
“Remember, the stronger a mother you are, the stronger a man he will become.”
LEAVING HOME:
You’ll have to read the book.
And finally, it wasn’t what I expected, double blue, brothers, but it ended up being the two greatest accomplishments of my life. And even more special for them.
May you always take care of each other, and stand by each other’s side.
Happy Brother’s Day to all the brothers of the world!
