National Son’s Day: Whether you’ve marked this day on your calendar religiously every year or just found out about it five minutes ago (thanks, social media trends), it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the wild ride that is raising boys. From the moment both of my boys burst into this world with their mischievous grins and boundless energy, I knew I was in for a ride unlike any other. Raising two sons (ages 9 and 11) is like riding a rollercoaster — exhilarating, unpredictable, and full of twists and turns that leave you breathless, smiling… and sometimes a little nauseous. Little did I know that I was about to embark on a journey filled with so much laughter, tears, and endless love.
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I feel like growing up with older twin brothers prepared me for the whirlwind of raising my own sons. The similarities between my brothers and my boys are uncanny, from their love of soccer, Star Wars, and classic rock music, to roughhousing and “play-fighting” (often until someone is in tears). The competition between each other is on a different kind of level — they fight for my attention and strive to be the favored one in my eyes. It’s like watching a hilarious rerun of my childhood, with a new cast of characters that I get to call my own.
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The daily routine of being a boy mom is truly a comedy of errors, from maneuvering the minefield of LEGOs on the floor, having stinky shin guards to clean, and navigating temperamental moods, to decoding their cryptic language of things that are “bussin” or “no cap.” But, they’ve also taught me how to do Fortnite emotes, throw a mean spiral, how to “rizz” their father, and how to be an expert connoisseur in sour candies and spicy chips.
Amidst all the tween anarchy, moodiness, and messiness, there are moments of pure joy that make it all worthwhile. The way they throw their arms around me in a giant bear hug, the sound of their infectious laughter filling the room, and the way they rush to me for comfort if they are hurt. There’s nothing I love more than getting a front seat to watching their little personalities grow. These are the simple joys of being their mom — these are the moments that remind me why I wouldn’t trade this wild ride for anything in the world.
We’ve all heard that a boy’s love for his mother is truly unparalleled, a bond that is unbreakable and pure, and I believe it. When I drop my youngest off in the car-rider line at school, I nearly weep every time. He smiles and enthusiastically waves at me the whole way into the school, nearly running into a pole each time. Sounds ridiculous, but this is a daily, special, little moment that we have, and I make sure to give myself a moment to take it in and sometimes whisper to myself in the car, “I’m so grateful for you, bud,” because I know those tiny moments won’t be forever.
I also will never forget how angry my eldest son got when a fast-food worker was rude to me in the drive-thru. My little guy got so fired up and boiled with anger and wasn’t going to tolerate the disrespect. I quickly calmed him down and let him know that I was fine and could handle it, but it was a little glimmer of, “Wow, this kid really has my back” …and I know he always will.
As a mom, my role goes beyond just being a cheerleader on the sidelines of soccer games (though I do rock that role, too, just saying). I am here to be my son’s unwavering support system, their guiding light through the murky waters of social interactions, and their number one advocate for treating women with respect and kindness. I strive to instill the values of integrity, empathy, and the courage to stand up for what is right, even when it’s not the popular choice. My goal is to nurture his leadership skills, encourage him to chase his dreams with passion, and remind him that no matter what, I will always have his back, too.
On this National Son’s Day, let’s celebrate the bond we share with our boys, knowing that the memories we create together are what make this wild ride of motherhood so unforgettable. Here’s to all the parents raising boys — may your days be filled with loads of laughter, sweaty hugs, and let’s get real — plenty of fart jokes.
