Parenting Series: In My Spare Time, I Raise Boys

**Scene 1: A call from Teen Now Driving**

"Mom, I'm filling the van up with gas, but the gas just goes for a little bit and then stops." [](https://brendayoder.com/2013/01/09/parenting-series-in-my-spare-time-i-raise-boys/young-man-filling-petrol-into-a-car-petrol-tank/)

Mother asks questions, questions, and more questions, but doesn't have the right solution.

"You need to go inside and ask" she says.

**"**No, I'm not going to do that, " he says

*Did my son just tell me he won't go in and ask for directions, instructions, or help?*

**Note to self:****** I'm** raising a boy.**

**Scene 2: Tween Boy in Front of Mirror Getting Ready for Church. **

"I* can't get my hair to stay down*" after spraying it with water for the millionth time.

"*My shirt collar won't stay down*." He changes his shirt three times.

[](https://brendayoder.com/2013/01/09/parenting-series-in-my-spare-time-i-raise-boys/young-man-trying-on-a-t-shirt/)"*I don't have anything to wear that fits me*."

**Translation:** My brother is bigger than me and none of his hand-me-downs fit anymore

** Question:** *Since when does he care about what he wears?*

**Answer**: Since we are visiting a different church where there are girls his age.

**Note to Self: I'm raising a boy.**

** Scene 3: Stepping over Star Wars figures to open a window in Preteen's room.**

"*Mom, why do we have to sweep? Can't we wait a couple more weeks?*

[](https://brendayoder.com/2013/01/09/parenting-series-in-my-spare-time-i-raise-boys/mp900387601/)

This child's room reeks of Must, Dust, Turtles, and unswept corners. I've dusted the room (attempt #1), washed the bedding (attempt #2), washed the windows, screens, and baseboards with Pine-sol (attempt # 3) to no avail in eliminating the odor. I resort to good old-fashioned sweeping under everything in the room, which, of course, causes stress on behalf of the child.

*"Mom, this battle has been going on for two weeks now. Do I have to move it?"*

I scan the "battle." There is an intricate battlefield of action figures spawning a bookcase, marble tower, and three other pieces of furniture. This took some hard work, creativity, and time.

**Not to self: I'm raising a boy.**

I tell him we'll sweep under and around everything except the "battle." Two days later the room still smells musty, dusty, and turtlish.

I buy an Airwick, close the door, and remind myself,

**I'm raising boys. **

**and i wouldn't have it any other way**

*Lord, help us to see our children with the humor and wonder that they are.*

I'd love to hear the scenes at your house in raising girls and boys!

And today is the last day to sign up for "Isn't It Time for a Coffee Break" giveaway. Read [here](https://brendayoder.com/2013/01/03/eggs-muffins-and-a-coffee-break/) for details.

[](http://brendayoder.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/photo13.jpg)A giveaway with encouragment!

** Have a great Wednesday!**