Growing Boys: How You Can Support The Process

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Parenting boys can be a lot of fun – as you well know. But at the same time, you may find that you have to really work to get it right. That’s especially true for moms of boys. After all, you’re not male and don’t have firsthand understanding of some of the challenges your son faces. Adolescence can be a particularly challenging time for both moms and sons. They’re going through a lot of changes and may be embarrassed, and you might not know how to help. If you want to ensure that you’re supporting your boys as much as possible, these tips can help you make their teenage years a bit easier for all:

  1. Give Them Space

Yes, you’re their mom – but it’s not your job to control your boys’ lives. They’re now entering into adulthood, and you have to understand how important it is to encourage their independence. If you want them to grow into independent men that can really take care of themselves and become their best selves too,  take a step back.

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  1. Point Them In The Right Direction

Help them find great resources. Your boys may have questions you can’t answer, or they may just want to know a little bit more about the changes going on in their bodies and brains. Point them toward resources such as reliable books, a teen boys puberty forum, and even the counselor at school.  

  1. Make Sure They Have A Role Model

All boys need a positive male role model in their life. Because they will need someone that they can go to that’s close to them, or even just to guide them into the man they want to become.

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  1. Treat Them Like An Adult

Don’t baby your teenage boys! If you’re still doing everything for them and coddling them, you have a problem: this is smothering, not supporting. Gradually let your son take on more responsibility for his own life. Treat him like an adult as much as possible.

  1. Just Be There

At the same time,  make sure that you’re available. Let me know that if they want to ask you questions or they need your support, then they can always come to you. But don’t pressure them. Let them seek your help as needed.

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The Building Boys Bulletin

The Building Boys Bulletin Newsletter gives you the facts, encouragement, and inspiration you need to help boys thrive. Written by Jennifer L.W. Fink, mom of four sons and author of Building Boys: Raising Great Guys in a World That Misunderstands Males, Building Boys Bulletin includes:

The Building Boys Bulletin is funded by direct subscriptions from readers like you. If you’d like the full experience, please consider becoming a paying subscriber.

“I learned a lot about helping boys thrive over the past 20+ years — most of it the hard way! I’m eager to share what I’ve learned to make your path a little easier.”   – Jennifer

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Building Boys: Raising Great Guys in a World That Misunderstands Males

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