B.U.B.

I didn't realize reading Bringing Up Boys (BUB) would take me on such a deep journey. It's been educational as well as convicting and at times emotional. Here are some of the things I have learned so far.

Some of these lines are direct quotes others are paraphrased.

Boys do not respond to subtle hints but they need requests clearly outlined. (Isn't that the truth even with grown men?!)

Boys are slower to learn from calamities while girls are more fearful and try not to make painful mistakes twice.

Mothers and fathers play defense to protect their boys from immoral and dangerous enticements but parents have to also play offense by instilling in their sons the antecedents of character.

If we don't know who we are our kids will be doubly confused about who they are.

The individual temperaments of men and women were designed to moderate each other.

A child who lives in fear is unable to learn.

I have also learned not to supress the excitable and aggressive nature in my son but we must learn to shape and civilize it. The need to take risks, be aggressive, experience change, protect and provide are all a part of divine plans God had for males. While many of those qualities can be scary for parents and aggervating at times it's important we correct these behaviors in a way that is shaping not eliminating. WOW! As a mother of a child who has already broken a bone I am very guilty of becoming very protective and corrective when Dalen gets too wild, or jumps off things too high.

I would def. recommend this book!