I’m the mom to three sons ages 26, 21, and 5 (with a whole lot of daughters mixed in there … which adds to the fun.) It’s amazing to see wild boys grow into loving, strong men. It’s also amazing to see them fulfill some of their dreams (or at least attempt some that didn’t quite work out).
That’s okay, too!
My oldest son is married to a wonderful young woman and has two great kids. My middle son finished his first novel. And my little guy … well, he still can’t decide if he wants to be a fireman or policeman when he grows up. Of course, he has a lot more years!
The important thing isn’t if our sons fulfill every dream, but rather that they keep dreaming. How do we help them do that?
1. Allow your son’s dreams to grow with him.
It’s easy for young kids to dream. “I’m going to be an astronaut,” but sometimes we feel as if it’s our job to make our kids realistic. Don’t fall into that temptation!
There is plenty in life that will help your son be realistic, so be the one who says, “What do you think it takes to be an astronaut?” “Let’s read some books about astronauts?” and “What do you like best about that idea?”
Let your son talk even if his ideas seem crazy. Then, as your son grows let his dreams grow with him. Save money for space camp, watch movies about astronauts together, or point out other ideas that fit his natural gifting that he might not even be aware of.
2. Inspire your son.
The word inspire means, “fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.” I love that word “fill.” Fill your son with ideas, with hope and with courage. Another definition of inspire is to “breathe in (air).” Remember when you’re filling your son with ideas, hope and courage you’re breathing in faith that someday he can achieve great things for God, himself, and the world.
3. Motivate your son.
It’s easy to dream, but doing something about it is harder. What motivates your son? Charts? Praise? Cold hard cash? Help your son set small, achievable goals and then mark his progress. Soon you’ll see that your son is able to motivate himself!
4. Lead your son.
Moms have to follow their dreams first. Kids can only follow where they are led. What are your dreams, Mom? What steps are you taking to fulfill them? How are you allowing God to work through you? How are you using your God-given gifts and talents? Your son can learn best how to follow and achieve dreams by watching you.
I started writing articles and (attempting to write) books when my oldest boys were in both under 5-years- old. They’ve been first-hand eye witnesses to what God has done in my life. At 45-years-old I’m now the author of over 55 books, and my boys are some of my biggest cheerleaders!
5. Pray over your child’s dreams.
Does your child have a dream? If so, commit it to prayer. Pray that God will help you guide him. Pray that God’s dreams will rise to the top. Pray that God will strengthen and guide your son. You never know how God will use that wild child for His future glory!
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About the Author
Tricia Goyer is a homeschooling mom of ten, grandmother of two, and wife to John. A bestselling author, Tricia has published 55+ books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. Tricia is also on the blogging team at TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites.
Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Find her blogging at triciagoyer.com, or on Facebook. Her newest book, Planted with Hope, is designed to help you dream, and plant seeds of hope in your heart!
