Raising four boys without a girl around. What can I expect? Any issues I might need to be aware of?

[bubble99]

I'm expecting DS4 in October. He would have been DS5 but one of my twin sons died during labour last year. We didn't know the sex of our twins in advance, so I hadn't anticipated/questioned the logistics of bringing up a family of all boys.

Is anyone in the teenage stage of parenting all boys? Am I planning too far ahead in even questioning how it will go at this stage?

I'm expecting an empty 'fridge and a lot of sticky sheets in the future, but I'd love to hear any views.

TIA.

I obviously realise that I will be the 'girl' in the family. But you know what I mean.

BUBBLE , congratulations and

i do have a daughter but also 4 boys!! the eldest is almost14 and so far so so good! daughter although sweet is much more of a pita and a worry.
9 year old boys i find a bit difficult as they barely speak but this phase passes.
i dont like mud and loathe football so attempt to stunt any sporting prowess early on!
Cheap to clothe as they dont care and the brides parents pay for the wedding!!!

at you attempting to stunt any sporting prowess, NotAnOtter.

I had two older brothers, sadly only one now as my eldest brother was killed in an accident. (am beginning to feel jinxed, TBH.)

Anyway, I remember my parents telling me that while they had problems with my two older brothers, they were usually of a practical nature whereas mine were always emotional.

Thanks, SS.

Shouldn't you be in a tent somewhere?

Sounds about right bubble -

How old are your 3 now?

DS1 is 8 (9 in November) - DS2 was 6 in June and DS3 is 16 months.

DS1 is hurtling towards puberty as we speak. but will still hold my hand in public.

Hey, bubble!

I only have 2 boys (17 and 13) but am finding them generally much easier to live with than their 2 big sisters. Expensive - gadgets and football kit - but less temperamental and more fun.

janh - i need to hear lots more of that sort of talk!

nao, we'll have to meet up some time - we're not far apart you know

So do I!

Thanks for the wonderful (and extensive) list of names, BTW.

Pleasure, bubble - I love looking at names! Have you decided on one yet?

Several!!

I'll give you the shortlist soon.

bubble, pleased to hear about your pg. i've 4 boys, the oldest is 12, and getting very grown up. Deffo empty fridges - i can't fill him - he had roast beef, 3 yorkshires, 10! roast pots, and veg followed by fruit crumble and custard at 6 .30 pm, he's currently (not quite 9 pm) tucking into 4 weetabix and milk. He does do a lot of sport - althletics fixture after school tonight, basket ball at lunchtiem and about 40 mins on trampoline tonight. We're also very good at mud

Hi Bubble. I've only got 2 teenage boys but they were pretty easy. DD 3.5 is much more cunning and manipulative.

The boys were happy with lots of food, rugby, playstations, xboxes, PSPs etc.

The younger one went through a phase which we were told is quite common and a few of his friends also had, which was a sort of anxious/OCD type thing. This was when he was 12/13. He grew out of it with gentle support but it was quite difficult at the time. We were told it was very much a boy thing and getting more and more common at that age.

Many congratulations on your PG .