Things a mother should teach her sons

When it comes to raising boys, there are some things that are just considered “man stuff“. You know, the kind of things boys learn from their dads: working on cars, saying prayers at mealtime, learning how to fry the perfect egg. Some things are just easier-and better-taught to a boy by his father.

And then, there’s everything else.

It may seem that a father would hold the upper hand when it comes to teaching his boys facts, activities, thoughts on life. After all, he’s been there himself. However, a mom has a particular advantage: the capacity to teach her sons-from a woman’s perspective-the things that are really important in life.

So for all the amazing things that a father can do and be for his boys, I’ve decided there are at least a few things a mother should teach her sons just to help make his life a little easier, in the long run.

First, the basics. I like to look at it like it’s a sport: Shoot the ball in the hoop; throw the dart at the target; pitch the ball into the zone. Pick your analogy, but whatever you do, pee in the pot.

If it takes more than five paper plates to support your meal or snack, it’s a pretty good indication that you should have used a real one.

We’ve all heard it before, and it’s as true today as when our mothers said it: “A place for everything and everything in its place.” That includes clothes of all kind: clean clothes, dirty clothes, clothes used for bases, clothes used to wipe up spills, clothes worn for less than 10 minutes and clothes you thought might be fun to try on your dog.

Other items included in this old adage: shoes. Muddy shoes may be left by the back door so as not to track up the house, but after a 24-hour period, you may consider the mud on those shoes to be what we call “dried”. They can then be banged together and put in their proper location, which is of course a little place we like to call The Closet. This is not to be confused with the middle of the hallway where a person could trip and break an ankle at 2 a.m. when she’s up getting you “a dwink of water”.

Additional note: when banging together shoes covered in dried mud, always make sure you are outside the house.

Remote controls work best when they can be located by the user. Refer to old adage.

Learn to be a morning person. It really can have a positive effect on the rest of your day.

Waking up to a pot full of coffee can go a long way to making the other half of your household smile early in the morning.

The only sounds that are permitted at the dinner table should come from the words that you speak. Since we live in America, any compliments you may choose to shower upon the chef should be in the form of the English language. No other noises are permitted.

And finally, fingernails and toenails should be clipped outdoors. There are no exceptions.

These, of course, are not the only rules for life a mother should be concerned about teaching to her boys, but you have to admit…it’s a pretty good start.

And that’s All in a day’s work!