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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask what are the best things about having a little boy?

353 replies

KeplerYellow · 06/06/2017 14:51

I'm almost 30 weeks pregnant and really excited to be having a boy. I am however getting a bit scared about the whole giving birth part, so trying to focus on the bigger picture. I would love to hear how great it is to have a son to help me concentrate on the positives.

OP posts:
NotYoda · 07/06/2017 07:56

NoLoveofMine

I totally agree with you Smile

NotYoda · 07/06/2017 07:58

nooka

"I think some of the desire to say that boys are wonderful is that sometimes mothers of boys feel that they are pitied by mothers of girls, so it's a bit of a defensive thing"

I think that's true. Iused to feel a bit like that. No more!

Original poster
KeplerYellow · 07/06/2017 08:03

Thank you for all your comments, I've enjoyed reading every one. The biggest thing I can take away from this thread is that having children is wonderful irrespective of their sex. We've been trying to start a family for five years and this thread has made me really happy that we didn't give up despite all the heartache. Thank you :)

OP posts:
Crumbs1 · 07/06/2017 08:07

I have two and looking back, they were easier in many ways - and still are simpler beings.
They eat anything (in very large quantities).
They were far less image conscious and liked people who were allowed to do exciting things like play with chain saws or take a dinghy to sea to camp overnight. This no longer holds true; they spend a fortune at Gieves.
They had an earthier sense of humour and can see funny in most situations.
They are warm, kind, caring, uncomplicated, simple creatures. They don't over complicate things.
The little shoes with tractors on and shorts dungarees were SO cute.
Much easier to get nits out of short hair and had nits less frequently.
They can reach tall shelves and move furniture from quite a young age.
They can sleep anywhere at any time.

Summerisdone · 07/06/2017 08:08

After growing up the eldest of five girls, I panicked like mad when I found out I was having a little boy. I thought that I wouldn't know how to raise a boy because I didn't know what they were like as babies and young children Hmm
Turned out to be the best thing ever, my DS is 2.7 and he's so loving and cuddly (his new favourite is to tell me constantly that he 'thinks he loves me' Grin). He's also very very lively and energetic, and everything and anything can be turned into an assault course or something to climb, or to crash his trains and cars into.
He drives me absolutely crazy a lot sometimes, but I wouldn't change him in anyway, well except perhaps at bedtimes when I just desperately want him to get to sleep Angry

Yogagirl123 · 07/06/2017 08:38

Enjoy it op, life's biggest adventure becoming mum. I would do it all again in a heartbeat, birth, sleepless nights the lot!

Redredredrose · 07/06/2017 08:40

My little boy is so loving and affectionate. He's interested in everything, loves fiddling with things and fixing things! He's not much of a talker, but he's full of energy and adventure, and he's gorgeous! And he very rarely tantrums.

I really wanted a girl and was actually pretty sad when I found out I was having a boy, but I wouldn't change him for the world, and if we have another, I'd be equally happy to have a second little boy because they are seriously wonderful!

SouthChinaMorningPost · 07/06/2017 08:56

Why does everyone have to be gender coded? They're all just humans! I have two boys, very upset when people kept asking me if I would be "trying for a girl".... The only time I wish I had a girl is clothes shopping, boys stuff is way beyond grim

NoLoveofMine · 07/06/2017 08:58

I hadn't seen that comment you quoted Pallisers regarding boys supposedly giving more affection, less drama and girls being manipulative - that's a ridiculous comment grounded in misogyny. Astounding. Some of the subtle (or in this and certain other posts not so) sexism and belittling of girls in this thread is astounding.

Thank you NotYoda.

bigbuttons · 07/06/2017 09:03

I hadn't seen that comment you quoted Pallisers regarding boys supposedly giving more affection, less drama and girls being manipulative - that's a ridiculous comment grounded in misogyny. Astounding. Some of the subtle (or in this and certain other posts not so) sexism and belittling of girls in this thread is astounding.
^
this

Coddiwomple · 07/06/2017 09:20

Some of the subtle (or in this and certain other posts not so) sexism and belittling of girls in this thread is astounding.

Usually said by people who will scream if a boy slaps a girl but won't bat an eyelid if a boy slaps a boy... There's no difference between girls and boys BUT....

AndNoneForGretchenWieners · 07/06/2017 09:28

I have no daughters to compare my son to, but he and my DSS are kind, protective, affectionate, considerate, sarcastic and untidy. They don't argue so much as I remember doing as a teen, and aren't as devious as I was. DS is very straightforward and reliable, so if he says he will be home by 10pm, he is home by 10pm, usually earlier. I didn't have any issues with hygiene either, both DS and DSS were never out of the shower (although that is a pain in other ways). They both went through a monosyllabic phase between 13 and 15.

As a teenage girl I remember crying, arguing with my parents, fallouts with friends, angst and hormones everywhere, and lying about where i had been and who i was with. I wasnt good at it though and was usually found out by my mother, who would have given Poirot a run for his money. Haven't caught DS out yet and I have always encouraged him to be honest with me.

Flowerdew2 · 07/06/2017 09:30

I hadn't seen that comment you quoted Pallisers regarding boys supposedly giving more affection, less drama and girls being manipulative - that's a ridiculous comment grounded in misogyny. Astounding. Some of the subtle (or in this and certain other posts not so) sexism and belittling of girls in this thread is astounding.

Agree. I find this thread shocking and shameful, to be honest.

bigbuttons · 07/06/2017 09:35

flowerdew I'm glad you've said that because I feel the same. I know the op meant it to be lighthearted, but the crap that has been spouted on here is unbelievable.

GahBuggerit · 07/06/2017 09:47

This thread is actually lovely given there are way more threads about how disappointed people are when they find out they are having a boy, so I think it's fine to have a bit of a positive one for a change :)

I find my boys are generally easier than my friends girls who always seem to have some sort of issue with other girls friendship groups and moods which last longer than my boys. I realise this is just my experience but I am secretly glad my boys seem a bit more easy going. though I suspect this will change as they get older!

SongforSal · 07/06/2017 09:59

One of each here! My Ds is 12, still slips his hand in mine now and again. Always shouts 'I love you' to everyone in the house before leaving for school. Very cuddly kid. On the flip side.....he's a door slammer and thinks he's about 18!! (Think Kevin the Teenager style!).

NoLoveofMine · 07/06/2017 10:13

Usually said by people who will scream if a boy slaps a girl but won't bat an eyelid if a boy slaps a boy... There's no difference between girls and boys BUT....

Ridiculous post attempting to derail the point regarding some of the comments on this thread buying into misogynist myths about girls, even suggesting young girls are "manipulative". Males tend to be physically stronger than females biologically so this has absolutely no relevance to this. Regardless, I and doubtless many others would think it's wrong for anyone to be subject to violence.

This thread isn't lovely even if the intentions of the majority are good as the belittling of girls and sexist stereotyping which has emerged is quite disheartening. If I went through every such comment I'd be here all day. GahBuggerit you yourself are buying into these myths - as I've said before I go to a girls' school and have wonderful friends. Everyone is so supportive and inspiring. Boys aren't more or less "easy going", some children as with some adults have fallings out, just if it's girls it's "oh girls always have issues".

Thanks Flowerdew2 and I entirely agree.

paddypants13 · 07/06/2017 10:16

I have one of each and they're both fab. I would also describe my boy as like a very cute, very cheeky puppy. He is very affectionate, very laid back and needs a run every day! Phisically, he's much more confident than his sister was at his age. He's honestly a real sweetheart and charms everyone he meets. There are lots of super cute "boys'" clothes out there, we buy most of dd's clothes from the "boys'" section. (Last bit lighthearted obvs.)

I don't love him more than dd, she is amazing too, but he's the easier child of the two.

Coddiwomple · 07/06/2017 10:28

Well, my boys are lovely and so are my girls. The differences are huge, and I only really noticed them when I started to go to playgroups etc. and see first hand the behaviour of very young children. Shame some people have issues and have to twist everything. Boys are lovely.

bigbuttons · 07/06/2017 10:54

I'm sure the behaviour of very young children, even babies is influenced by the way their parents view them according to their sex. These views and parental behaviours won't be conscious most of the time but they will affect the child's behaviour.

sweetkitty · 07/06/2017 10:58

After 3 girls I had a boy and oh my he's a whirlwind. It's as if he has read the typical boy manual and follows it religiously. We've always had a range of toys around the house, one of his sisters is a tomboy so had cats and dinosaurs. He has delays went for the "boys" toys. Cars, guns, footballs etc.

He was my most clingy baby and would hate to be apart from me up until the age of 5, now he's a complete daddy's boy, he totally hero worships his Dad, he's just a mini-me of him.

He still is very loving to me though, one thing he loves to do is do my hair and make up for me. He won't put any on himself as it's for girls he says but he loves putting it on me and doing my hair.

bigbuttons · 07/06/2017 11:01
Hmm
sonlypuppyfat · 07/06/2017 11:01

I love little boys, so funny and full of life. My son was and is the funniest person I know he is so sharp witted

NoLoveofMine · 07/06/2017 11:02

bugbuttons I don't think any words I could come up with could put my sentiments better than that Grin

Oliversmumsarmy · 07/06/2017 11:07

No need to do hair and comb out tangles

I'll send round my ds with his waist length hair