Dear Mom of a Wild Preschool-Aged Boy,
I know the question you ask yourself daily, and the answer is yes. I know you think it in your head and sometimes aloud: will this ever end? I know this because not too long ago, I was you. When my “spirited” preschool aged boy was temporarily kicked out of church child-care on two separate occasions, when he decided it would be a good idea to dump paint into a fish tank at one of his (girl) friend’s houses; and every time he bit or kicked someone – I asked myself, will this ever end?
I tried it all. The same things you have probably tried. Time outs, reward jars, constant talking-to, trying to understand what was going on…my list is long. I’m sure yours is, too. There would be times he was good. Great even. And I would think “ok, we are past this stage, we are moving on.” But then more time would pass and, just when I started lowering my guard, another incident would occur. I would ask if this would ever end.
I was blessed with a friend who has a boy two years older than my son. She would often encourage me by empathizing and telling me that this too shall truly pass. She would insist her son was the same when he was 2 and 3 and even 4. Most importantly, she would reassure me that I wasn’t doing all the wrong things, as I often told myself. Moms of preschool aged boys – you are not doing the wrong things, either!
We learn along with our kids. We have been parents for the same number of years as birthday candles on our kids’ cakes. When my son turned five, it was like something shifted. He is still quite spirited (as I like to call it) but the growth has been remarkable. Now, this might seem obvious. They get older, they mature, they are easier to reason with.
Yes, all true. But for the moms out there with a boy around three years old, it might truly seem like it will never get easier. Mamas, know that it will end.
Boys are wild (yes, I am generalizing). Everything is a sword. Everything is always so loud. My now five-year-old boy is still loud, still thinks he is a super hero and still drives me crazy (a lot). But he is becoming independent, reasons with me, and is honestly fun to just hang out with. Boys are also the sweetest. Moms of preschool boys, moms of boys in general, I know you agree. Nothing can melt your heart more.
Moms of young boys, I feel ya. It’s hard. But you are not doing it wrong. Embrace the sweet moments and embrace the crazy. If anything, this could be preparing us for those teenage years. Stay strong, you are not alone!
Sincerely,
A mom who is still learning as I go
