Little boys and how to manage them
Big boys too
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The answer is very simple: they need more physical activity.
Much, much more.
Unless they are actually out there running farm machinery, building you a new chicken coop, and sledding off the neighbor’s back roof (didn’t think you’d have to make a rule about that, huh, did you?), they are not getting enough, and you will absolutely feel like they are naughty, boisterous gremlins out to get you in a personal way. This goes for every age of boy.
When my kids were very little, we lived in the city. I learned that if we didn’t get out for a tramp every day and spend some time at the playground or with friends who also had little boys, my day was not going to go well. Take a good look at what the days consist of, every single one of them. Boys don’t need “time off” from physical activity unless they are actually in bed with a fever.
This goes for their time in school too — if it doesn’t involve more recess than desk work, I would take complaints about their behavior skeptically.
Whatever your circumstances, if you want to feel less oppressed by your boys, you are going to have to figure out how to get them physically exhausted and your lawn might have to be sacrificed to this end.
They also need more food and more sleep.
That’s about it!
Building a Treehouse, Henry Hintermeister
As with everything here at the SFH, the best thing is for you to take my ideas, which come from my experience of escaping feminism to enjoy the gift of 46 years of marriage, seven children, and more than a score of grandchildren, and apply them to your situation with discernment, prudence, and confidence — and a sense of humor!
Be happy at home!
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For the longer version of this Substack and much more on this topic:
My 3-volume book on Order and Wonder in Family Life:
This is so, so true. Six boys here at our house. Exercise, romping, fresh air, big space to move in if possible makes them so much more agreeable.
The older I get, the more I realize the truth of this message. Also, teenaged girls! If they seem moody, sluggish, negative, or unmotivated try a little exercise and watch them perk up. It doesn't have to be strenuous, a 15-20 minute walk, 5-10 min on a mini trampoline, 10 minutes of calisthenics, anything!