“Little boys don’t need to toughen up.
Little boys don’t need to have their emotions dismissed.
Little boys don’t need to be told to stop crying.
Little boys don’t need to be encouraged to mask their fears or hide their worries.
Little boys don’t need to be forced to ‘suck it up.’
Little boys need to be comforted.
Little boys need to be nurtured.
Little boys need to be told their feelings are valid.
Little boys need to know crying is normal, natural, and good.
Little boys need to be taught how to properly manage their emotions.
Little boys need to be reminded that vulnerability is a gift, not something to fear.
Because little boys need to know how to comfort others.
And little boys need to know what it looks like to empathize with someone else’s pain.
And little boys need to be able to trust that they won’t be mocked for sharing what’s on their hearts.
And little boys need to understand that it’s OK to admit they’re not OK.
So, sometimes, little boys will be afraid of bugs in the backyard and need their foot held by a big, strong man who grasps what a beautifully heavy burden it is to raise little boys that way.
Because that’s what little boys deserve.”
This story was written by Krista Ward of Kisses From Boys. You can follow her journey on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories.
Read more from Krista here:
‘What are you doing, Mommy?’ ‘Oh nothing, Sweetie.’ That was the honest, ridiculous truth.
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