10 Signs My Son Is Entering the Crazy World of BOYS

Not that I’m particularly surprised or anything but up until now, he had been my baby boy wanting to be held pretty much 24/7.  Up until now, he was my little boy completely fascinated by cars and trains.  Up until now, I considered him my sweet and sensitive soul, my (dare I say) mamma’s boy.  So…it’s with trepidation I walk alongside (okay chase) my boy who is on this cusp between little boy and full fledged BOY!

Here are the top 10 signs he is well on his way:

1.  He just can’t stop. His body is in GO mode all day long. I don’t get it. He needs constant physical activity and even when it’s time for bed and I know he’s exhausted…I have to manually close his eyes and remind him to keep them that way so he can fall asleep!

2.  He makes toy guns out of legos.  And let me just say, this house has not seen guns of any sort (toy or otherwise). We don’t use the word “guns” or “shoot” and he’s still pretty much stuck with whatever Noggin (Nick Jr) has to offer.  Well never fear, he has learned the word and knows what they do.  Anything can be a gun and he knows the sound effects and all.  He’s out to get the “bad” guys, so watch out!

3.  He’s in to anything creepy crawly. Catching spiders, slugs, lizards, and pretty much anything he can get his hands on. This actually has its benefits…he is our official spider catcher.

4.  He wrestles his little sister or any unsuspecting victim who happens to be lying on the floor. I was making dinner the other night and I could hear him telling his little sister “I love you so much, I’m never going to let you go”. Aww…so sweet right? Until, I glanced over to see he had her in a headlock!

5.  He thinks it’s funny to ‘toot’, and I’m not talking trains here.

6.  His appetite is suddenly growing strong. He has been my typical “picky eater” ever since he could talk and tell me “I don’t like that”. He is still quite picky…but what he does like, he wants double of.

7.  He’s fascinated with fire. He wants to know how hot fire is, how they get started, how big can they get.  Oh, and the fireworks? He loves them.  This one is purely a case of  ‘like father, like son’. The 4th of July is like Christmas around here.

8.  He thinks he can fly! Until of course, he realizes he can’t…ouch!

9.  He doesn’t like to be called cute.  “I’m not cute mom, I’m cool”.

10.  “Mom, I can’t find my (fill in the blank)” is a phrase spoken at least a dozen times per day… and, usually it’s right in front of his face.

So as I embark on this journey with my son, I wonder if I am prepared. How do I let him enjoy and delight in his boyhood all the while providing the appropriate amount of guidance tempered by some restraint?  I know,  there is a lot to the saying “boys will be boys” but, as his mom…how do I make sure he doesn’t “fly” himself off a cliff, set the house on fire, or bring some kind of deadly snake into our house? I’m just saying…these are the things I worry about sometimes…*sigh*.

51 Responses to 10 Signs My Son Is Entering the Crazy World of BOYS
  1. Adrienne
    July 20, 2010 | 6:53 am

    This is a great list! I love it! Boys most be genetically enhanced to know about guns b/c our house was the same way, but they still play guns!? And any bodily function is a major deal here as well! I'm a mom of two boys, and I need some estrogen around here. :)

  2. Adrienne
    July 20, 2010 | 6:53 am

    This is a great list! I love it! Boys most be genetically enhanced to know about guns b/c our house was the same way, but they still play guns!? And any bodily function is a major deal here as well! I'm a mom of two boys, and I need some estrogen around here. :)

  3. Funky Mama Bird
    July 20, 2010 | 6:58 am

    That is awesome. Sitting where I am, firmly ensconced with my Mama's boy, this is giving me a glimpse of the years to come! =)

  4. Funky Mama Bird
    July 20, 2010 | 6:58 am

    That is awesome. Sitting where I am, firmly ensconced with my Mama's boy, this is giving me a glimpse of the years to come! =)

  5. My 5 Monkeys(Julie)
    July 20, 2010 | 7:15 am

    thats totally reminds me of my boy and he was into all those things

  6. My 5 Monkeys(Julie)
    July 20, 2010 | 7:15 am

    thats totally reminds me of my boy and he was into all those things

  7. Lindsay
    July 20, 2010 | 7:18 am

    As a mom of a rough and tumble boy since DAY ONE (now 15 months) I love, love, love this post! I may not always love it in the heat of the moment, when he pounces on the nearest victim with full force or decides it's hilarious to pinch my nose as hard as possible…

    Have you ever seen that email with the first photo being the 4-5 year old at the top of a steep hill with one foot on a skateboard? Here's to hoping that's one boy moment we'll never have to face!

  8. Lindsay
    July 20, 2010 | 7:18 am

    As a mom of a rough and tumble boy since DAY ONE (now 15 months) I love, love, love this post! I may not always love it in the heat of the moment, when he pounces on the nearest victim with full force or decides it's hilarious to pinch my nose as hard as possible…

    Have you ever seen that email with the first photo being the 4-5 year old at the top of a steep hill with one foot on a skateboard? Here's to hoping that's one boy moment we'll never have to face!

  9. Tractor Mom
    July 20, 2010 | 7:24 am

    This is the fun part of being a mommy of boys! Personally I birthed two and married one…making me surrounded by three boys doing all the above things you listed daily! Have fun!

    http://www.frugaltractormo.blogspot.com

  10. Tractor Mom
    July 20, 2010 | 7:24 am

    This is the fun part of being a mommy of boys! Personally I birthed two and married one…making me surrounded by three boys doing all the above things you listed daily! Have fun!

    http://www.frugaltractormo.blogspot.com

  11. Sherri
    July 20, 2010 | 9:20 am

    Oh man, this takes me back a few years! My Little Man is now 16…The making guns out of Legos made me laugh! I was determined that my boy would NOT be shoot-em-up-bang-banging at the park and wouldn't buy any weapons. Then I saw him making a gun from a stick!! Then came water pistols, guns made of Legos or toast, marshmallow guns….well, you know how it goes!

    I think when you have kids (but especially boys) you check some of your worry at the door and just see what happens….and hope that they get it out of their systems each day before you want them to sleep!

  12. Sherri
    July 20, 2010 | 9:20 am

    Oh man, this takes me back a few years! My Little Man is now 16…The making guns out of Legos made me laugh! I was determined that my boy would NOT be shoot-em-up-bang-banging at the park and wouldn't buy any weapons. Then I saw him making a gun from a stick!! Then came water pistols, guns made of Legos or toast, marshmallow guns….well, you know how it goes!

    I think when you have kids (but especially boys) you check some of your worry at the door and just see what happens….and hope that they get it out of their systems each day before you want them to sleep!

  13. April K.
    July 20, 2010 | 10:15 am

    Ha! The guns part…so true! My son was a picky eater when he was little, too. Now, at the age of 8, he eats any and EVERY thing, and lots of it, too. Sometimes I find him scrunched down in his chair, shoveling food directly from his plate to his mouth, like he just can't get it in fast enough. :)

  14. April K.
    July 20, 2010 | 10:15 am

    Ha! The guns part…so true! My son was a picky eater when he was little, too. Now, at the age of 8, he eats any and EVERY thing, and lots of it, too. Sometimes I find him scrunched down in his chair, shoveling food directly from his plate to his mouth, like he just can't get it in fast enough. :)

  15. Licia
    July 20, 2010 | 11:20 am

    Sigh…. my boys are still momma's boys, but I'm well aware that they'll become full blown boys before I realize it. What is it about boys and wrestling? I don't recall getting the urge to do that, ever!

  16. Licia
    July 20, 2010 | 11:20 am

    Sigh…. my boys are still momma's boys, but I'm well aware that they'll become full blown boys before I realize it. What is it about boys and wrestling? I don't recall getting the urge to do that, ever!

  17. Lynn
    July 20, 2010 | 11:22 am

    Great list…let's see a sequel for the girls!

  18. Lynn
    July 20, 2010 | 11:22 am

    Great list…let's see a sequel for the girls!

  19. Cheryl D.
    July 20, 2010 | 12:01 pm

    Great list! Good job. I almost made a similar list just based on my daughter telling me that she's a big Jason Bieber fan and started singing one of his songs. I've barely heard of him and never heard his music! My daughter is officially a big girl now that she's more up on pop culture than me! LOL

  20. Cheryl D.
    July 20, 2010 | 12:01 pm

    Great list! Good job. I almost made a similar list just based on my daughter telling me that she's a big Jason Bieber fan and started singing one of his songs. I've barely heard of him and never heard his music! My daughter is officially a big girl now that she's more up on pop culture than me! LOL

  21. Liz
    July 20, 2010 | 2:40 pm

    Having 2 girls myself, I have watched a few friends hit that transformation with their boys. And there definitely is a point where that transformation happens, for some reason.

  22. Liz
    July 20, 2010 | 2:40 pm

    Having 2 girls myself, I have watched a few friends hit that transformation with their boys. And there definitely is a point where that transformation happens, for some reason.

  23. Jen
    July 20, 2010 | 2:45 pm

    Well, I've found with my two that duct tape can solve a plethora of problems and now comes in designer colors!
    And guns are made out of toast here and they have shootouts at the breakfast table. This is why I essentially keep my eyes closed until I've had nearly a pot of coffee.
    Jen at Laughing at Chaos

  24. Jen
    July 20, 2010 | 2:45 pm

    Well, I've found with my two that duct tape can solve a plethora of problems and now comes in designer colors!
    And guns are made out of toast here and they have shootouts at the breakfast table. This is why I essentially keep my eyes closed until I've had nearly a pot of coffee.
    Jen at Laughing at Chaos

  25. Mary
    July 20, 2010 | 4:58 pm

    Yep… I'd say you are well on your way to boy-land! I have raised two crazy boys and with a few bumps and scrapes along the way they are wonderful young men but I sure did wonder at times if all were going to survive! And food…yikes. Thank goodness for Costco! My best advice – have fun along the way!

  26. Mary
    July 20, 2010 | 4:58 pm

    Yep… I'd say you are well on your way to boy-land! I have raised two crazy boys and with a few bumps and scrapes along the way they are wonderful young men but I sure did wonder at times if all were going to survive! And food…yikes. Thank goodness for Costco! My best advice – have fun along the way!

  27. Katherine
    July 20, 2010 | 5:45 pm

    I'm watching my boys go from babies to boys, and it's always strange and exciting. My boys hate being called cute, too. They are definitely cool.

  28. Katherine
    July 20, 2010 | 5:45 pm

    I'm watching my boys go from babies to boys, and it's always strange and exciting. My boys hate being called cute, too. They are definitely cool.

  29. Magic Ear Kids
    July 20, 2010 | 5:53 pm

    That's a boy for sure! I'm amazed about the gun thing. It's instinctive.

  30. Jessica
    July 20, 2010 | 8:49 pm

    Yes, yes, and yes! My oldest has done everything on your list and more. It's absolutely crazy. I love that he can be fearless and yet I'm already worried about what “tricks” he's gonna try when he gets his first car (he's only 4). Now that I have two boys I told my husband I don't think I'll ever sleep again!

  31. The Empress
    July 20, 2010 | 10:17 pm

    this is what I say: have a pen and notebook stashed everywhere in every nook and cranny car and purse, b/c here comes the blog fodder.

    you'll want to have this notebook and pen handy to document every detail of your ER visits.

    Not that I would know or anything…….

    signed, mother of 3 boys

  32. The Empress
    July 20, 2010 | 10:17 pm

    this is what I say: have a pen and notebook stashed everywhere in every nook and cranny car and purse, b/c here comes the blog fodder.

    you'll want to have this notebook and pen handy to document every detail of your ER visits.

    Not that I would know or anything…….

    signed, mother of 3 boys

  33. Erin
    July 20, 2010 | 11:48 pm

    I have a boy and I totally could've written this list. #5 cracked me up. I also wonder where he learns all this stuff. I'm also torn on the amount of guidance. I don't want to break his spirit, but I also don't want him to get hurt! This is Nirvana Mamma, btw. I can't select URL on your comments.

  34. Erin
    July 20, 2010 | 11:48 pm

    I have a boy and I totally could've written this list. #5 cracked me up. I also wonder where he learns all this stuff. I'm also torn on the amount of guidance. I don't want to break his spirit, but I also don't want him to get hurt! This is Nirvana Mamma, btw. I can't select URL on your comments.

  35. I'm Genny...
    July 21, 2010 | 6:57 am

    So true! My son rarely sits still. And about the flying thing… a few years ago, he jumped down the stairs yelling, “Superman!”… and broke his foot! Sheesh. :)

  36. Tammy
    July 21, 2010 | 7:31 am

    I can so relate to # 1 – being in go mode ALL day long !!!

  37. Dalia (Generation X Mom)
    July 21, 2010 | 8:34 am

    LOL. Yes. I never really thought about all of that but so true. I am now trying to think back to when my son started all that. It is inevitable! Like you said, boys will be boys!

  38. Dalia (Generation X Mom)
    July 21, 2010 | 8:34 am

    LOL. Yes. I never really thought about all of that but so true. I am now trying to think back to when my son started all that. It is inevitable! Like you said, boys will be boys!

  39. Wendy Sue
    July 21, 2010 | 9:04 am

    The #10 caused me to laugh out loud. Yes, boys. With two boys & one husband in my house, I'm the one trailing around re-directing and organizing things all the time. It's a funny thing, before kids I didn't think this had anything to do with gender. I did not set out to do this, but it happened–I'm the clutter police.

    Even though I only have 2 boys (no girls) and I am looking forward to the girl version, too.
    Comment # 10 made me think of this perspective (from NYT Well Blog)http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/19/attention-disorders-can-take-a-toll-on-marriage/?emc=eta1
    and what this disorganization may mean!! :-)

    seattlemamadoc.seattlechildrens.org

  40. Wendy Sue
    July 21, 2010 | 9:04 am

    The #10 caused me to laugh out loud. Yes, boys. With two boys & one husband in my house, I'm the one trailing around re-directing and organizing things all the time. It's a funny thing, before kids I didn't think this had anything to do with gender. I did not set out to do this, but it happened–I'm the clutter police.

    Even though I only have 2 boys (no girls) and I am looking forward to the girl version, too.
    Comment # 10 made me think of this perspective (from NYT Well Blog)http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/19/attention-disorders-can-take-a-toll-on-marriage/?emc=eta1
    and what this disorganization may mean!! :-)

    seattlemamadoc.seattlechildrens.org

  41. Heather Johnson
    July 21, 2010 | 4:20 pm

    Love this list. Our son turned 8 last week and every single one of these describes him perfectly. You have inspired me to make my own list in celebration of him.
    Love the one about legos and guns. Except with our son it is not just legos, it. is. with. everything. If he touches it, he is turning it into a weapon.
    I found you through SITS, and I am so glad I did.

    I write familyvolley.blogspot.com. Love for you to head over and say hi.

  42. Heather Johnson
    July 21, 2010 | 4:20 pm

    Love this list. Our son turned 8 last week and every single one of these describes him perfectly. You have inspired me to make my own list in celebration of him.
    Love the one about legos and guns. Except with our son it is not just legos, it. is. with. everything. If he touches it, he is turning it into a weapon.
    I found you through SITS, and I am so glad I did.

    I write familyvolley.blogspot.com. Love for you to head over and say hi.

  43. Heather Johnson
    July 21, 2010 | 4:21 pm

    I am a follower now too.

  44. Heather Johnson
    July 21, 2010 | 4:21 pm

    I am a follower now too.

  45. Jen @ Lita's World
    July 21, 2010 | 5:55 pm

    WOW! What a precious list. I think boys especially just keep you going (and hopefully laughing) all day long. #9 made me crack up as my nephew told me the other day that he's not cute, he's handsome! Thanks for sharing!

  46. Hungrigyrl
    July 22, 2010 | 1:27 pm

    Ryan just turned 4 and he is turning into a full fledged boy too! Tooting and laughing, picking up bugs and snails with his bare hands, running full speed ahead constantly, and tackling his unsuspecting little brother who is only 1-1/2 every chance he gets. Its entertaining, and crazy! Have fun!

  47. Hungrigyrl
    July 22, 2010 | 1:27 pm

    Ryan just turned 4 and he is turning into a full fledged boy too! Tooting and laughing, picking up bugs and snails with his bare hands, running full speed ahead constantly, and tackling his unsuspecting little brother who is only 1-1/2 every chance he gets. Its entertaining, and crazy! Have fun!

  48. Mandy
    July 23, 2010 | 6:55 am

    Oh I feel your pain.. and joy. 😉 I have one girl and two boys.. and those two boys daily make me feel like i will have a heart attack with their antics. My youngest, that just turned 3, had already suffered a broken arm (b/c he also thought he could fly) and a broken finger (b/c he wanted to see just how far the chair on the back patio would rock before tipping..) It's amazing – boys are the most rough and tough, but they are also so cuddly!

  49. Mandy
    July 23, 2010 | 6:55 am

    Oh I feel your pain.. and joy. 😉 I have one girl and two boys.. and those two boys daily make me feel like i will have a heart attack with their antics. My youngest, that just turned 3, had already suffered a broken arm (b/c he also thought he could fly) and a broken finger (b/c he wanted to see just how far the chair on the back patio would rock before tipping..) It's amazing – boys are the most rough and tough, but they are also so cuddly!

  50. Melissa (Confessions of a Dr. Mom)
    July 24, 2010 | 8:49 am

    Thanks ladies for sharing your boy stories…they are a riot, aren't they? I love to hear about boys growing and what adventures they get themselves into, so thanks for sharing!

  51. Melissa (Confessions of a Dr. Mom)
    July 24, 2010 | 8:49 am

    Thanks ladies for sharing your boy stories…they are a riot, aren't they? I love to hear about boys growing and what adventures they get themselves into, so thanks for sharing!