Tag Archives: men

Understanding the emotional language of boys

My two boys wrestle. They roll around on the floor, alternating who is pinned to the floor and who is on top. My oldest drags his brother around our home, all the while the little guy is laughing along gleefully. I have seen things escalate to aggressive headbutts and forceful shoves. And, I’ve seen them soften to cuddles, gentle pats and kisses.

emotionboys

My husband and I joke about our boys inability to be away from one another. Whether they are playfully roughhousing, kicking one another in anger, or sleepily snuggling together in our master bed, our boys are almost always engaged in some form of physical contact. Their emotional language is touch.

As a boy mom of more than five years, I have learned a fundamental difference between how young males and young females express themselves. I see this not only in my sons, but in other boys as well. Boys are are physical communicators and us female parents, teachers and caregivers need to respect that. Continue reading

Playground rejection and the importance of consent

playground

My three-year-old loves playing with other kids, probably because he spends the majority of his time with me and his one-year-old brother, and that isn’t always a recipe for good times. He craves interaction with other children, and would probably live at the park if I let him. He has no problem approaching unfamiliar kids at the playground and eagerly trying to partake in whatever game they are playing. Continue reading