Life in Rehab is BACK! Get ready for a slew of new projects for the new year! We just can't promise we know what we're doing!

Visit Life in Rehab's new Etsy shop
And because we're good friends by now,
our readers get 25% off
by entering the promo code
REHAB when you make a purchase!
So deck out, do some early holiday gift shopping,
strut your stuff and make a statement!


I'm on a mission. If I have never EVER not once replied to your comments, you may want to check this out: No Reply?



Saturday, July 3, 2010

10 Rules for My Sons


No matter how much I may preach equality in my home, there are differences in bringing up sons and daughters. Not that they all weren’t given equal exposure to everything, from toys to activities. There were no boy toys or girl toys in my house, and my daughter refused to wear dresses early on, so we had tons of mini Renaissance Festivals staged, epic croquet matches involving 3 full sets and all of the neighborhood kids, and parties with inflatable pools galore. And yet when the teen years hit, I watched the changes with amusement as my children started emerging from their cocoons and spreading the colorful wings of their identities. And I tweaked my rules for each gender just a bit, because I knew there was no way the boys were going to even consider tattoos or piercings. C'mon. They hate needles.

To my sons:

    1. You will remember that women are your equals and rock solid strong. Your mother played rugby. I will hurt you. And nothing dissolves your street cred like being beaten up in public by a middle aged woman.
    2. Never forget that there’s nothing wrong with crying if you feel it.
    3. Always kiss your mother. You mean more to me than life, and I will always be your best friend and your biggest fan.
    4. Be honest with me about everything. I trust you; after all, I raised you, and I should trust myself. But sometimes your decisions may need some guidance. I will listen with an open mind, and we’ll see what sounds right for you. I will not talk you out of it, however. The life I gave you is yours to live.
    5. You both have autism. This means nothing. You process differently. I still expect good grades, graduation, and college. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to, and if you want to do it, we’ll find a way together. Except for riding a bike. You both suck at that evidently, but I'll swap that out for the straight A's in math any day.
    6. Let’s do things together, one on one. Let me teach you how to bake a cake and take up a floor. Let’s mount a shelf and reupholster a chair. Then let’s sit down and look at your artwork. Tell me about the girl you have a crush on. Let’s watch a favorite movie. And hold my hand while we do. I won't tell anyone.
    7. Bring your friends over. We’ll make nachos and play video games while I get to know the people influencing your life. I like you hanging out on the sectional sofa. It's like anthropology class all over again. Bonus points if I meet their parents.
    8. I also support your dreams. You can grow up to be anything you want; you’re both artistic and amazingly talented. Design your futures any way you wish, and your mother will be there to cheer you on. And break the doors down to open them.
    9. Tell me what you love. Share your passions and interests. Let’s crank the Gorillaz while we do the dishes, and listen to Michael Franks while we have dinner. What book are you reading? Whose art style are you emulating? What project are you tackling next? Intrigue me. I'll listen.
    10. Remember that you are my son. You are amazing and magical. I am humbled that God trusted me with you. I know you are capable of great things, because you have shown them to me in who you are now. Go out and make me proud. And rock the world.

12 comments:

Aubrey said...

Thank you, that's wonderful.

Christin@Pregnant with power tools said...

Love it

Life in Rehab said...

Thank you Ladies. I have amazing men in my home.

Jane @ The Borrowed Abode said...

I really like this! You've got to be a good mom! :)

Life in Rehab said...

Meh. They tell me I am ;)

Christy said...

This is my first time here and I loved this post - way to go mom, I don't know that I can take down my 21 year old son but I know I out weigh him and could sit on him till backup came if I needed to! Women are strong!!!Now the other 2 boys - no problem.

Heather{Our Life In a Click} said...

I don't know how I missed this one. I'm tearing up! You are such a wonderful,beautiful, cool mom! They'll make great husbands/fathers one day thanks to you and your hubby [NOT too soon though, right!?]

Paula said...

You sound like an amazing mom! Since you are so amazing, I'm sure your kids are too! Good job!

Chelsea@ThisFreshFossil said...

Awww, Sunny that was beautiful! It was so funny/sweet, and completely saturated with love. :) I'll have to remember some of your "rules" for the time in my future when I'll be needing them!

~Chelsea

cre8ivesky said...

I love the honest language you used for these. Great ideas and thoughts- I really like this idea for when my little guys are older! thanks for sharing!

Bella @ Bella before and after said...

Sunny, you are awesome. You sent me these links last week, and I'm just now getting to them. Gosh, had I known how perfect they were, I would have read it sooner. This is perfect. I think I could literally print this off, except the autism part, lol, and sucking at riding bikes, it's right on.

I can't believe you listen to Gorillaz, that is SOOOO COOOOOL. I haven't met anyone in forever, who even knows who they are, lol.

Love ya, and WAY TO GO BOYS, you make your mom so proud!!!!

Hugs,

Majortotosite Pro said...

Wonderful post! We will be linking to this great article on our site. I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often! 토토