Parenting
By Emily Richards
It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment it happened, but it did—my son is growing up. The transformation was so gradual that it almost slipped past me unnoticed, unfolding in small, subtle changes. Yet now, when I catch a glimpse of him, I can still see that little boy with the bright eyes and remnants of chocolate on his face. It’s startling to hear the deeper voice emerging from him. Who is this young man? Where has my little boy gone?
These moments of nostalgia are fleeting. You’ve been growing and evolving away from me for several years now, ever since the day you came into this world. The changes were so slight that they often went unnoticed until one day, it hit me hard: my little boy is not so little anymore; he’s well on his journey to manhood. While this progression is natural, it doesn’t make the transition any easier.
With this growth comes newfound confidence, and perhaps a bit of arrogance. But I want you to understand that it’s perfectly acceptable to feel lost sometimes. We’re all navigating this life the best we can. Even I, with my many years of experience, occasionally feel like the uncertain teenager I once was. It’s okay to ask for guidance, trust your instincts, and eventually, you’ll find your way.
Important Lessons for Your Journey
There are several important lessons I hope you’ve absorbed along the way…
Firstly, your father and I want you to know that the phrase “being a man” is meaningless. Don’t let it define you. The same goes for clichés like “man up.”
It’s perfectly fine to express emotions—crying doesn’t make you weak, and apologizing shows strength. You can be both strong and sensitive, courageous and compassionate.
Practice good manners: hold doors open for others, whether they’re women or men, and let people enter the elevator ahead of you. These acts of kindness are not rooted in antiquated notions of chivalry; they simply reflect basic decency. Similarly, remember to push in your chair, lower the toilet seat, and for heaven’s sake, put your socks in the laundry basket.
Make it a habit to leave every place better than you found it.
When you find someone to love, steer clear of games. Embrace honesty and authenticity. Be true to yourself, and let that person see your heart, even if it carries the risk of heartbreak.
Be mindful in your relationships. Engage only when you’re ready to handle the consequences, as there will always be repercussions. And let’s be clear on a topic we’ve discussed countless times: when it comes to consent, “no” means no. Silence means no. Even “maybe” means no. Only a clear “yes” signifies consent. (And please, no eye-rolling; yes, your mother is talking about sex.)
Life is filled with both wonderful people and an unfortunate number of jerks. It’s not enough to simply not be one of them; you must also possess the courage to confront those who are. Stand up for yourself and for others, even if the issues at hand don’t directly affect you. It’s essential to advocate for what’s right, as silence only empowers the unkind.
Surround yourself with individuals who inspire you to be your best self.
Despite what society may suggest, men are perfectly capable of grocery shopping, making beds, and caring for infants. You are intelligent and competent, so take responsibility for your surroundings, both literally and figuratively.
Never feel ashamed of who you are, but always recognize the privileges you hold due to your gender, education, race, culture, or socioeconomic status. Use that privilege to uplift those who lack the same opportunities. Remember, “There but for the grace of God, go we all.”
Your sibling is your confidant, and you’re both teammates in this life. Even with your occasional squabbles, you’re two halves of a whole, destined to understand each other in ways no one else can, especially when it comes to our quirky family.
And when you’re uncertain, remember to spread kindness. Elevate those around you and strive to make the world a better place.
With love,
Mom
P.S. Don’t forget to call your parents.
For further insights into parenting and relationships, check out our post on the importance of communication here. If you are interested in family planning, you can find more information about artificial insemination here and explore our guide to at-home insemination kits here.
In summary, as your son matures, it’s crucial to impart wisdom about emotional intelligence, respect, and the importance of kindness. With each lesson, you prepare him to navigate the complexities of life with integrity and strength.