If the men in your life have ever driven you crazy, this may provide some relief. Sharon O'Donnell is a mother of three boys and the author of "House of Testosterone: One Mom's Survival in a Household of Males," and shares her advice for moms in this situation.
Sharon's tips on how to survive raising boys:
- Savor the Moments - One day my 7-year-old might be 6'5" like my 16 year old, when he climbs into my lap. Sometimes I remind myself of this and to appreciate that moment.
- Dig Deeper - Tap into emotions, don't let them give one word answers to things you know they have an opinion on.
- Find a good time to connect with them.
- Bring Out Their Nurturing Side - Show affection to them. Pets also help to do this.
- Knowing When to Advocate for them and when to step back.
- Have fun with them - Shoot hoops in the driveway, follow their favorite sports teams with them.
- Nurture friendships (Don't put them on the backburner)
- Find your passion and pursue it.
- Make sure you have some alone time.
- Pamper yourself (even if it is just spending some time getting ready to go somewhere)
- Don't feel guilty about taking the time to do this.
- Try to accept that the male brain is wired differently.
- You have to connect the dots. (Guys don't explain things like we do.)
- We talk about feelings while they feel compelled to report sports scores.
- Women need to feel understood, while men don't feel that need.
- Vent to friends before you explode.
- They are not being rude intentionally; they are sincerely oblivious.
- You can get your sons to eat broccoli just by telling them whoever eats the most, wins.
- They flush only when your in the shower.
- Your son thinks PMS is the new Playstation video game system.
- Your most dreaded chore is not cleaning toilets, but it's cleaning the floor around the toilets.
Buy the book on Amazon: House of Testosterone: One Mom's Survival in a Household of Males
For more information, visit Sharon's Web sites:
