I have three sons ages twenty-four, twenty, and three. The thing I love about boys is they adore their mom. My approval of them matters and I forget sometimes that my disapproval hits the heart of a boy.
I’ve been reminded of this after raising another young boy after having big guys around the house. After adopting Casey last year, we went through months and months of therapy to build a bond. When he first came to our home, Casey could care less what I thought of him (or his actions!). He did what he did because he wanted to.
His favorite thing was dumping. Dumping a gallon of milk on the floor. Dumping all the laundry detergent. Dumping every bucket of toys he could find. Sigh.
As our bond was built, Casey’s actions changed too. When he was choosing whether or not to dump toys, his decisions were based on more than just the fun factor. He looked to me–his mom–and learned to seek my approval.
When Casey does something good, he looks to me for praise. When he does something he knows he shouldn’t, he looks to me, wondering what my response is going to be. Knowing how to behave and consider others is important, but I have to remind myself there is something my boys need to know most of all: my love is not tied to their performance. They need to know this deep down, and they need to hear these words from us, “While I am thankful for your obedience, son, I still love you even when you choose to disobey. I hope you’ll make better choices next time, but I still love you.”
I started thinking about the importance of this recently because every time Casey disobeyed and hat to face consequences, he asked me the question, ” Do you still love me?” I don’t know where he got that from, but I know his concern is genuine.
If any kid understands this, it’s this one. He is a child that has come from a “hard place.” In the first two years of his life he moved six times for “placements.” Even though he could hardly talk, he’d learned a lot in his young life. “I better be good or I’m going to have to go to another home.” The truth is that none of the chances in his placements had to do with his obedience–but try explaining that to a young heart still trying to figure out this world.
And the truth is, Mom, that even though your son might not be so vocal, the question is still there, “Mom, I’ve messed up…but do you still love me?”
Yes, we get frustrated. Yes, we sometimes are short with our boys. But even on those days when we keep calm and react as we should, the worry and fear still rises up in our sons’ heart.
Because of my littlest son’s question, I’m doing better and reminding him often–with my words as much as my deeds–of my love.
Here’s your breakfast…do you remember I love you?
Let’s go for a walk…I love being with you, and I love you.
That was not a good choice, and you have to be disciplined…but I love you all the same.
I guarantee this is a concern deep in every boy’s heart, but thankfully today your words–your assurance of your love–can make all the difference, today and every day of your son’s life.
Points to Take Away
- Even though you show love often, your son needs to hear you verbally express your love.
- Your son looks to you for approval. Try to praise ten times more often than you discipline. Make sure your praise is built on their real-life actions.
- Make expressing love part of your discipline routine. “Even though you made a wrong choice, my love for you has not changed.”
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Even though my son is rough and tough, please remind me often how tender his heart is. Remind me often of your love for me, as a mom, and help me relate my love so my son will grow to understand your love even more. Amen.
Discussion Questions
- What are three things (real-life actions) you could praise your son for right now?
- What’s your biggest struggle when it comes to verbally expressing your love for your son?
- What is one action step you are going to take this week to better express your love for your son?
Resources
I really appreciate this post, since this is something it took me a while to discover as a boy mom. Yes, my boys are rough and tough, but they are still sensitive little souls who seek my approval. I forget that in the midst of the noise and dirt sometimes. Thank you for the reminder. I especially like the point about assuring them of my love even when I need to scold them. Mine will not verbalize, “Do you still love me?” but I’m sure the thought is there. I will do better at that.
A phrase I have used is, “Because I love you, I want to teach you right from wrong and I’m not being a good mom if I don’t correct this behavior.” Other reminders like, “No matter what, I will always love you,” and “I might not love your actions/attitude/mess, but nothing will change my love for YOU.” It’s an important message to convey…kudos for the efforts to insure your guy with a tough start can take such words to heart.
Gud one..So true.
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SO good, thank you!! I see this in all four of my boys in different ways. Even my oldest (nearing 15) kind of stalls before bed each night b/c I know he is waiting for a goodnight hug. 🙂 I love it, but I can pretty easily miss it. Well said, aloha!