NO! They don’t know everything. But they are smarter than we give credit.

So why wait to teach real-life skills until they are older?

We as mothers, as parents, need to be the role model in more ways than one.

Your child looks up to you.

• He watches your every move.
• He hears your every word.
• He tastes the sweetness of kindness from you.
• He repeats what is modeled.

One thing I believe that is lacking in our boys is respect, and that’s respect that goes for him as a boy and in turn, respect for you as his mother.

Men respond to respect. Some would call it their ultimate love language. So if men respond to respect, don’t you think our boys would do the same?

Yes! Men are hard-wired for respect. And that respect is wanted deeply. If we are to raise a man from a boy, then we must have respect for our boys so we can see the man in the mirror.

Mamas — It’s easy to get caught up in the snuggles and the cuddles. But that doesn’t last long. Your son is a man trapped in a small body. So raise him up with love and respect!

The K.I.S.S. ~ Raise up with love and respect!

Your son needs love and respect. And that respect must come from the mother. It’s important from the father, but it has a greater impact from mom.

Moms, your strength needs to be giving respect, which in turn translates to unconditional love in your son’s eyes.

It is what it is.

When we question our boys or have a disagreement, they interpret it as questioning their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

Sometimes, we will be questioning their abilities or decisions.

But we can teach our sons through love and most importantly respect.

Think back to when you and your son disagreed on something. Most of the time, we react with an accusatory statement reinforced by an action or a motion.

This does little teaching and actually pushes your son further away from you.

Draw your son close when you raise up with love and respect.

1. Love unconditionally. Be careful not to impose your dreams and desires on your son.
2. Respect his perspective. Listen to what he has to say. Acknowledge how he views the situation.
3. Share your perspective. “Another way to look at this is…” Don’t make it about you know more and he knows less.

You want to leave the door open. If you keep slamming the door in his face, you will begin to isolate your son. That will continue to drive him away.

You show up respecting him. I promise, over time, he will show up respecting you.

And with anything in parenting, be consistent. Consistency builds trust. That trust adds to the love and respect.

Don’t run when parenting gets tough. You got this!

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!”