Things I Want My Son to Know...

     I have often thought of things I would put in this post and the more I thought the harder it became to write. So here I go. No thinking. Just writing.

     I always saw myself as a mom but I never actually thought it would happen. Now that it is happening, I think of what I want my son to know. I can't teach him everything. And as hard as it is to admit, I don't know everything. Shocking, I know. Some things he will learn on his own. A lot of which I'm sure in hindsight I am going to wish I had taught him first.

     But here are a few things I know that I will want him to hear from me.

1. Be the man you would want your son to be. We all have a vision of our son growing up to be, for lack of a better comparison, Prince Charming. Perfection in all things. We know that isn't possible but don't be a toad. Treat people with kindness and respect, even the most undeserving.

2. Your clothes are not wearable napkins. Don't be a slob. Cleanliness is next to momliness :) And your future wife will appreciate and respect a man who knows how to pick up after himself. Which brings me to...

3. Gender stereotypes are not excuses to get away with not doing things that are a "woman's job".  You will be surprised the response you get for folding the laundry and putting it away, or putting a nice home-cooked meal on the table.

4. If you find yourself in conflict, use your words. If you are anything like your dear, old ma then you will be blessed with a silver tongue. Defuse. Don't ignite.

5. Chivalry is not dead, people are just lazy. Just because you get the girl doesn't mean you automatically keep her. Relationships take work. Time wears people thin and we forget that the smallest of gestures bring the biggest smiles to our hearts. You should see your Grandma smile when Grandpa opens her car door for her. Again, it's the little things.

6. I don't care how old you are, I will never be too busy or not have time for you. 

7.  Real men really do wear pink. Don't get sucked into the stereotypes. It is very restricting and an immature way of thinking.

8. Family first. Always.

9. Always encourage. Never discourage. Even if somebody's dreams or ideas don't make sense to you, be there to give them a nudge forward if they get stuck.

10. Embrace change. We live in a fast world. With change comes new opportunities. New things to be learned. Never shy away from things that are new or different for you will only be limiting yourself.

11. There is a bright side. Choose to always see that first and foremost.

12. Crying doesn't make you any less of a man. You will very often hear your father describing everything he does as manly. Most of the time he is just being a goof. You will also often hear people say that men don't cry. Crying is just an expression of an emotion. That would be like telling you not to show your excitement on Christmas morning. That's just ridiculous. Never be afraid to shed tears. Sometimes it is exactly what you need to do.

13. I love you.