by Suzanne Bertrand

Created on: January 06, 2010   Last Updated: February 18, 2010

The sense of adventure that one experiences when raising boys is similar to riding an upside down backwards roller coaster in the dark. Raising boys is a learning experience for all involved. It is an achievement that is built for those that have nerves of steel. Boys are a huge blessing. They come with a lot of work and plenty of laughs. Luckily, the laughing part comes frequently enough to outweigh any negativity that typically occurs.

*Lock in lock out

If you have boys and you have not been either locked in the bathroom or locked out of the bathroom, you are missing out. This is a rite of passage if you have boys. Think of it as a character building exercise. Most self respecting toddlers know the essence of locking themselves into the bathroom. They snicker as they hear their parents on the other end begging them to unlock the door. They roll all over the clean bathroom floor howling as their parents attempt to call someone who can actually open the bathroom door. Now, if you ever have the pleasure of getting locked in the bathroom, with your child on the other side, then you have hit the major leagues. You deserve all bragging rights that should be allowed to “strictly only parent parties.”

*Number one everywhere

Those who have girl only households are not aware of the fun they are missing in this department. Parents are quickly made fully aware of the power of number one. Little boys come home from the hospital bundled. Upon removal of the diaper, liquid hits the target. Be aware that this is the last time the target will be effectively hit for decades. Later if you float cheerios in the toilet for target practice, you might wonder exactly who you are training. When sons are fully skilled at running to the restroom as needed, they will find it easier to hit the linoleum than anything. Staying away from the boy's bathroom is the smartest thing a parent could do. Upon cleaning the bathroom, please lower your expectations immediately because cleanliness will end there.   

*Flaunt what you've got

If you ever quickly peak in the boy's locker room, you may be dismayed by the lack of clothes. One will witness proud dancing with underwear on their heads. All parents of boys should have a tape recorder to play each time their son gets dressed. This will remind them to allow privacy when getting dressed. Another tape should play each time they use the bathroom. This will remind their boys to shut the door and yes, flush.

*Tricks of the trade

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