by Kimberly Cleckenr

Created on: January 28, 2011

Whether you have chosen to be a a single parent or life's circumstances have resulted in this outcome for you, you will quickly find out that being a single mom raising boys is both challenging and rewarding. It is true that in general all children have the same basic needs, but overall when comparing boys to girls they have an endless number of differences. 

1. Cleanliness. Most boys, and I say most and not all boys, do not mind getting dirty and will get dirty when they can. They are boys- let them be boys and get dirty. Let them play in the yard with their dirt bikes and cars making race tracks. Let me roll down the hill a thousand times. Surprisingly enough, they love it and the dirt and grime washes off. 

2. Interests. Boys loves cars, guns, video games and the like. Even though you as a mom are a girl, you need to be interested in what they like. Make sure they have the toys that most boys like. You need to spend time playing with them and with what they like to play with. Some boys are interested in other things like puzzles and coloring; introduce these to boys as well. 

3. Exercise. Boys tend to have more energy than girls; therefore they need to be able to release more energy. Boys may need to be given the chance to go outside and play more than girls. Boys are often thrilled when their mom seems to be interested in going outside and taking part in their outside activities.

4. Nurturing. Boys grow up into men, but when in your home as children still need to be nurtured and given lots of love. A young boy should never to told that he is 'the man of the house' or has to 'take care of his mother'. These are too big of responsibilities for young boys. Boys and just that- boys and need a lot of love and affection from their mothers. 

5. Extracurricular activities. It is a good idea for boys who are living with their mothers to take part in activities that are geared towards boys, such as baseball or boy scouts. These will expose him to other younger boys and help him to learn how to be a boy. 

6. Grooming. It is important for a boy to take care of himself the proper way. This includes going to the bathroom and hygiene. These are both very different for a boy than a girl and a boy will have to be shown how to do things correctly, just as a girl would need to be shown.  As a boy continues to grow he will learn and catch on to other areas of grooming such as shaving. 

7. Maturing. Boys mature much different than girls and this is something that will have to be addressed as a boy ages. As a mother and woman, you should be able to correctly guide your son and make him aware of his body changes and what to expect. Facial hair, body odor and growing body parts are are just some of the things that you will have to discuss with your son at some point. 

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