I'm not the first or only single mama that is trying to raise boys into beautiful, strong, healthy, loving, independent, well-balanced men. It's been challenging for me lately. I'm all about reading up on other mama's stories, books, and anything inspiring for me to feel more apt and stronger in this area.... so that's what I've been spending my time on.
My three youngest are boys... Isaiah -7, Malik -4, and Keenan -almost 2.
Isaiah is super intelligent and has a lot of energy! He loves numbers... counting and having money is a passion of his. He reads, writes, and is quite the artist. He sleeps, eats, and dreams about skateboarding. Lately, he's really been into playing catch with his football.
Malik is my little brute but a big lover. He is ALL boy. The little man likes anything his big brother does. He skateboards, loves me to read Dr. Seuss stories to him, and is all about wrestling, spitting, jumping, yelling, and speaks the "caveman" language. He's been working on pronouncing and annunciating his words, so his speech is getting more clear every day.
My little Keenan... he's the baby of the family. He is spoiled and loved by all. He's quite the character and super cute. He knows it, too. ;) He loves both of his brothers, follows them around, and tries to be like them. His three big sisters just adore him.
So, my oldest is in college and my older two girls are in school during the weekday. I am home with the three boys.
Isaiah started school this year.... it was a mess! It was one week of complete hell for him and everyone around him. He didn't want to be there, wasn't fond of the teacher, didn't like the rules, and cried with anger every day. I think he's pretty angry inside in general. I'm sure it has something to do with his dad and I splitting up and the journey of that relationship right up to today.
I've homeschooled for so long, I figured one more year of having him at home would be fine. He's only 7... he could start next year. That was my thinking at the beginning of the year... now I'm questioning it. Plus, I am not as into the homeschooling and it's not as easy as it used to be. It was easier when I had a partner to help tag-team breakfasts, lunches, dinners, reading time, bedtime, etc. I do have a homeschool group I can meet up with in the area, but we've only done that once in the past two months.
Isaiah and Malik have some type of sibling rivalry. Maybe it's just a boy thing.... they're very competitive with everything they do. They nit pick at eachother most of the time and can't help but to tell on one another throughout the day. They like to get physical and wrestle around, play football, etc.
Keenan loves them both, is still young and doesn't really take sides.
My Isaiah has somewhat turned around in the last two days with his negative attitude. He went to my ex's house for a day and came back with ego and negativity all over. He went to my oldest daughter's house and didn't want to come home. When he did, again, just negative. Didn't want his family, definitely not his younger brother, Malik. Life sucked and everything was awful.
As a mom, that made me feel bad.... oh, but over it now. ;) I'm the "Ultimate Mama Warrior" and this is just a small battle on the big battle front! My little man Isaiah is crying out for more attention, more structure and boundaries. I have a tendency to give my kiddos choices and sometimes fall on the side of being too lenient. I am a woman, emotional, loving, and compassionate in all my womanliness. Most of the time I try to stay balanced, but the masculinity in me only comes roaring out during times of anger (productive anger for me). He needs some masculinity in his life for sure.
Since I do not have a man and he doesn't have a great male role model in his life at this point, I will be that man for now. I will set boundaries, get him into some martial arts and/or sports, encourage him in all of his masculine ways and research, read, learn and do whatever it takes to keep my little boys healthy in their masculinity. I'm thinking school is a great option for him... definitely next year, maybe this year and until then, some serious homeschooling and socializing through this group we are a part of. I also contacted Big Brothers/Big Sisters to see if that's an option.
Isaiah responds to male energy. If we're out with friends, family, etc. he's hangin' with the big boys. He has made a few big guy friends at his big sister's college. He craves that male energy.
I feel like little Malik is okay with his big brother, but responds to Isaiah's negativity towards him. If Isaiah was loving and friendly to Malik, Malik would respond in a positive light.
No worries... it's on. Just need to focus and step up.
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