I recently had the priviledge of meeting Monika Maeckle, a local journalist who is beginning a new online publication called The Rivard Report with her husband, Robert Rivard, former editor for the San Antonio Express-News. The Rivard Report focuses on San Antonio, particularly “the movement to build a better San Antonio.” I ran into her at the Pearl Farmers Market with my son, Luke. Long story short and a phone call later she shared an article from the Wall Street Journal with me knowing that I had a son.
I found the article to be very thought-provoking. The article, “Who Are You Calling a Mama’s Boy,” addresses the overall perception that our society has that a “Mama’s Boy” is somehow a bad thing. Now being from a Texas, cattle ranching family I know all too well the thought process that goes behind this. Here in Texas we want big, strong, manly-men and believe that too much coddling might somehow harm a growing boy. So honestly, this way of thinking is ingrained even in me. The article shares some interesting studies that will get your brain working – at least it did mine.
So I guess this is where I’m supposed to come to some form of conclusion and tell you what I think (because I’m sure you all want to know *sarcasm*). Bottom line for me is – do I still want to raise a confident, masculine son? Yes. Am I going to worry too much about hugging and kissing him and making sure he knows he is loved? Definitely not. And I’m pretty sure I’d be proud if someone calls him a mama’s boy one day because that means I’d raised a son who is caring, respectful, generous and loving.
Following is the full article. I’d love to get your thoughts.
Who Are You Calling a Mama’s Boy?
A strong mother-son bond is crucial, but heaven help the mom who admits being emotionally close to her son
To read the full article click here.
This is my sTORI being written as you read. – Love, Mommy Tori
Here are some quick pictures of me and my mommy’s boy! Luke loves it when you flip the camera on the iPad so he can see himself with it.
I don’t have a son but I completely agree. There is no need to go overboard with the coddling but showing our kids that their feelings matter, that we are there when they are hurt or upset lets them know that they can trust us. They learn to feel secure and it teaches them to have empathy for others. Very important.
Well said, Rebecca!
Excellent! (Too bad I could not leave a “thumbs up” because I am not on Facebook!!
Thank you, Grandma J!
This is so exciting! I don’t think you’ve taken into account what happens day to day, but still a good post.