Help end medical misogyny. Sign our petition.

Help end medical misogyny.
Sign our petition.

Sign the petition

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask what you love about having a son

227 replies

BoyOhBoyOhBoi · 27/08/2020 09:36

So I recently found out we are expecting a baby boy and we are so excited!

My family is basically all girls, all baby cousins growing up were girls, all nieces etc... Are girls so I've never really been around or have much experience with baby boys!

I think because of my family I always had it in my head that I'd end up with a daughter but now I'm having a son (which is totally fine!).

Just wondering if some of you can share with me your experiences with having a baby boy and what you love about it? Smile (and maybe even if there is anything you think I need to be extra prepared for!).

OP posts:
Arthersleep · 27/08/2020 21:45

I always wanted girls.... Until along came my son! He is simply amazing! He's the complete opposite of me. Great at maths, science, into astrology, geography, maps, Lego etc. In trying to keep him occupied and interested, I have ended up enthused about all the things that he loves, lapping them up with an enthusiasm that I completely lacked at school. I've learned so much. I love how, rather than me having a mini me that I probably would have inadvertedly carved out in my own image, the reverse has happened and he has had a much bigger influence on my interests. I'm just constantly interested and challenged by him. I will say that he is shit at picking up after himself though!!

Buggeredpelvicfloor2013 · 27/08/2020 21:55

My DD(6) and DS(2) are totally different; DD is really independent, sensitive and super caring, she has such a beautiful, amazing heart Blush
My DS on the other hand wants to smash things, climb on things, spots danger from a mile away and runs headfirst at it but is the most tactile, loving, cutest thing in the whole world. He loves cuddles and kisses so much. And he adores his sister, if she's ever upset he will do whatever he can to make her smile again.

togetsomeperspective · 27/08/2020 22:06

Congratulations ! Boys are lovely and it's great to celebrate them.

But yes boys and girl babies much the same, I think one years onwards they start to display preferences for certain toys. I was every gender neutral on toys, but my DS is cars & vehicle crazy. My DH isn't a car person so we haven't influenced him. DS also dislikes most sports so far, but is only young still, mayb change with starting school. I think he might end up being a dancer.

I'd say my DS needs running a couple of times a day like our dog. My DD is a baby so I can't compare, she maybe the same.

IHateCoronavirus · 27/08/2020 22:14

My youngest ds (4) is full of fun and the snuggliest little squish I know! My eldest ds nearly 15 has the best sense of humour I really enjoy being around him for the young man he is becoming. My dd is pretty amazing too though.

Eloisedublin123 · 27/08/2020 22:16

My son is so cuddly and loves his mum 😚

Whoopsmahoot · 27/08/2020 22:17

Boys are so loving, affectionate and cuddly. My son is 18 and we’re very close. I adore him.

PumpkinPie2016 · 27/08/2020 22:21

I don't have a girl so I can't compare but my son is 6 and he is so loving. If DH gets up first in the morning, DS will come charging into our room and bound onto the bed to give me "huggles". I also get lots of hugs throughout the day.

He is so funny -loves telling jokes and singing funny songs.

He loves going out exploring which is great but he also enjoys pottering at home, playing games, baking etc.

Boys are ace Grin

VashtaNerada · 27/08/2020 22:24

Mine is very similar to his sister in some ways and very different in others. You soon realise that their personality shines through even when they’re small, and gender really doesn’t have anything to do with the person they are.

Seriously79 · 27/08/2020 22:25

Little (and big) boys always love their mums 💙

NoToMisogyny · 27/08/2020 22:26

There seems to be some sort of myth about boys being more cuddly. My daughter was much more cuddly then either of my (loving) sons. The biggest difference I’ve found (my sons are very in touch with their feminine sides) is friendships - they were EVERYTHING to my daughter. Every fluctuation was agony. But my sons shrug it all off and don’t invest in the whole thing nearly as much. Certainly not the whole concept of ‘BFFs’

NoToMisogyny · 27/08/2020 22:27

Girls always love their mums too. And tend not to ditch mum when they find a partner (if my brother is anything to go by!). So much of this is anecdote.

Mashingthecompost · 27/08/2020 22:48

Oh it's just lovely. Mine was obsessed with numbers which was great fun. Could do a mean crow sound. Climbed everything. Got really into making inventions, very techy, loves a wrestle and an aeroplane. He's nearly 7 now and is a gamer through and through and his enthusiasm is infectious, we all get involved. So creative. Full of questions. Probably lots of overlaps with girls. He's also got a habit of saying what he sees which I love about him - nothing gets past him.

TwelvetyOClock · 27/08/2020 22:57

I have four boys (15, 14, 6 and 2) and four girls. There aren't any obvious trends in boys' and girls' personalities but what I love about each of them:
DS15: Very quiet, much more shy than his brother but very mature, you can have interesting conversations with him and he is growing up so, so fast.
DS14: Generally very cheerful, but always quite obvious with his emotions (if he is grumpy, it shows), which removes the guesswork. Helpful, funny, makes friends easily.
DS6: Very energetic (if quite loud), always looking to play with someone or something. Very affectionate and is always the first to apologise if he and his sisters have a fight.
DS2: Constantly smiling, always ready for a hug, adores his older siblings and puts up with being carted around by them.

oreshina · 27/08/2020 23:01

He is do so affectionate, loving, caring and funny!

QueenofLouisiana · 27/08/2020 23:04

Head hugs! When they get to be so much taller than you that they hug your head- because that’s where their arm reaches! DS gives great hugs, even if they are around my head! It’s odd when you realise that the tiny baby you held...oooh, about 4 minutes ago.... is a big, grown man (even if he is still 15).

waltzingparrot · 27/08/2020 23:07

I have 2 teenage boys. Wildly different in character but neither has given me any drama or slamming doors or massive moodiness. Don't know if I've just been lucky or whether boys generally just don't do that stuff.

Toontown · 27/08/2020 23:09

I've brought up 3 boys and 1 girl. Honestly there's nothing is definitively boy like or girl like. I love them all they're all incredibly different and there's nothing it runs along lines based on their sex. I have genuinely loved having them all in my life. it's going to be a rollercoaster of fun and hard work !!!

ThumbWitchesAbroad · 28/08/2020 03:56

I haven't read any other responses so may be repeating what others have said.

I have 2 boys and the things I love about them are probably not specific to them being boys - they're lovely, snuggly, funny, maybe like talking about dinosaurs too much (but then girls can do that too).

They're possibly easier to dress than girls, and have generally shorter hair so less maintenance required there.

Cleaning them up at nappy time was easier because you didn't have to worry about stuff going places it shouldn't, if you see what I mean - but you DO have to be wary of the wild arcing pee that can happen at nappy change times! And always tuck their willy down into their nappy, otherwise it will just come straight out the top and soak their clothes.

I found having 2 boys slightly easier than 1 of each because of hand me downs - clothes, toys etc. - and I'll never have to deal with synchronised periods, so that's a bonus.

Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy and your baby Thanks

RLGGG · 28/08/2020 04:32

Thank you OP and everyone commenting, we have a 5 week old DS so these are making me smile and so excited for the future. Congratulations OP, wishing you a happy, healthy pregnancy x

Ritascornershop · 28/08/2020 05:11

I think often teenagers want to distinguish themselves from the parent of the same sex, so boys can be easier on their mums. Certainly my daughter as a teen was very hurtful to me at times but her brother was always very kind & loving. As little ones they were both lovely.

GarlicMonkey · 28/08/2020 06:15

I've got a houseful of sons. The banter is never ending, we laugh together so much. They're also very loving & cuddly, even when they're over 6ft tall. I am queen of my castle, they make me feel so loved & lucky.

IDontLikeZombies · 28/08/2020 06:53

My wee boys are just lovely - wee funny, wild people full of stories and laughs. The older one is a bit more quiet and thoughtful, the little one is a firecracker but both are loving, sweet and kind.
I only have boys but from observation of other families I don't think that they are much different from girls.

remainin · 28/08/2020 21:10

I had a daughter first and then when I found out I was expecting a son, I was pleased for DH (he desperately wanted a son) but I was inwardly freaking out. I had zero experience with baby or little boys; no brothers or nephews. Once he was born, I was thrilled. I love him to bits (he's now 17) and I can't imagine life without him! Boys are wonderful.

Dogman · 28/08/2020 21:33

I had Dd first and never really imagined I would have a son until I was about to give birth (crowning) with DS and I just knew he was a boy. It took at least a year for me to look at him and not be surprised he was a boy. He was a huge surprise and as soon as he was on solids a compete delight. He is more energetic than DD. She is more empathetic. He is so funny, best one liners ever. DD is a deep thinker. He is more cuddly and sensitive. She is more independent. They are both wonderful individuals who I love fiercely.

RUOKHon · 28/08/2020 21:40

If I was being really simplistic I’d say that DD6 is like a cat and DS3 is like a dog.

DD is cute and lovely and charming and very independent - loves fuss but always on her own terms. Doesn’t really want me until she needs me.

DS is just an adoring, adorable cuddle bug. Always wants to be with me, will do whatever I’m doing. So loyal and loving.

It’s hard to explain. I love them both so much, and totally equal amounts, but in quite different ways.

You will fall head over heels with your boy when he gets here.