9 Things To Know About 3 Year Old Boys
I have to say that I’m finally learning to embrace this crazy, insane three year old stage that Ridley is in. It was a very difficult adjustment for me…actually probably for both of us. The two year old stage was a cake walk compared to the challenges that three has brought.
BUT.
I’m slowly learning what it means to be a boy mom. I guess it’s a good thing since I’m about to have another babe of the male gender. Ha!
I thought I would share some of the highlights and humor of parenting this little gift from God with y’all today.
1. When you ask for something, prepare for it to be thrown at you.
We’re working on training that it’s inappropriate to throw when we say “please hand me….” Ahem. It’s hard to keep a straight face when he tosses his itty bitty Thomas the Tank undies up high in the air…or when they land in my lap…or on my head. With all that said, Ridley has a great arm on him and can throw a baseball quite well. I think sitting at the ball field is in my future. 🙂
2. Guns rock!
Sticks, baseball bats, hangers, curtain rods – you name it – everything is a gun to fight off the bad guys. And we’re working on the reality that mom and dad aren’t the bad guys.
3. Impulsive much?
Oh y’all. If there was ever a child who reminds me of myself, it is my dear first-born son. I look back at all the embarrassing impulsive things I did and that helps me show a lot of grace to Ridley who doesn’t think a single bit before he does something. Maybe he will grow out of this stage by the time he’s twenty. Haha!
4. They will embarrass you.
I could write a book right here, but let’s just say…it will happen.
5. Singing is everything.
From the months of him growing inside me to now, Ridley has been exposed to music. He bounced around inside me at his uncle’s symphony concerts and when I played the piano for church. I’ve sung to him almost every night before bed and we sing throughout the day. If Pandora isn’t going, then we usually have a CD playing. It rejoices my heart to hear him sing truth.
6. Snuggling is very important.
I never dreamed that having a boy meant that he needed momma snuggle time every day. We snuggle up and read books or watch an episode of Busytown on Netflix. I also rock him and sing to him before bed. I treasure these moments because I know they won’t last forever.
7. Three year olds are gentle forgivers.
This probably goes without saying, but parents make mistakes. I make mistakes. I raise my voice in frustration at times. I sin. But I get on my knees in front of my little man and say, “I’m so sorry. Will you forgive me?” He always forgives and doesn’t hold it against me. Adults could learn a great lesson from this…forgive and let it go.
8. Stubbornness is part of the package.
Ridley didn’t really have a chance in this matter. Both of his parents are stubborn as oxen, so it’s only understandable why he would have his own stubborn streak. Someday that stubbornness will be used for some incredible work for God, but for now, he’s learning…trying to learn…that he’s not in charge. Can you imagine three stubborn people being in charge of a home? What a mess that would be! Ha!
9. They LOVE so big.
One evening, my hubs and I were getting ready for bed, when we heard Ridley yell to us from his room, “I love you Mommy and Daddy and Baby Cameron. You’re my best gifts from God.” My heart pretty much melted. I tell Ridley all the time those words about him, his daddy and his baby brother. It is amazing what you pour in, comes back out. It is a beautiful thing.
My Mom always told me that I would have a slew of boys. God has made me to be a boy mom…at least to two. I’m growing and adjusting to the reality that greets me every day. I wouldn’t trade this crazy, good life for anything.
As I spend my days nursing boo-boos, blushing from some insane thing my son does or says, training, loving, snuggling, hugging, reading, teaching, coloring and playing all sorts of things, I remember this gift….this incredibly precious gift that God has given me.
Everything about him makes the investment of my life into his worth it all.
Have you mothered a three year old boy?
XO
*****
I have mothered 2, three-year old boys & I can honestly say that three was so much harder than two. My boys are now 13 & 10 and they are beautiful – still hard work but in a different way. My eldest was never physically adventurous but intellectually inquisitive and never stopped talking. My youngest was a daredevil & still is, very defiant & wilful & still is, which I pray about constantly.
But, they are still snuggly & loving & forgiving. I am grateful for them every day.
Annette
Ohh I am soo Grateful to read all your posts!!! My son just turned 3 and I tell you what a stage that is!!! Soo much insights from all your posts!!! God bless y’all!!!
Oh Sweet Dear Friend, I LOVE LOVE LOVE this! I too am still embracing this boy mama thing one day at a time, and it’s starting to fit. Praying for you and your boys.
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What a beautiful post! I agree that three is much more challenging that two. My little one is about to turn 4 in a few weeks. I feel the same way as you about all that wonderful snuggle time – enjoying every second while I can as it won’t last forever.
Ah, yes… and it is indeed wonderful!! What a joy they are. Cherish all the moments, as they go by way too fast.
I have mothered 2 darling three year olds………..who are now both Airmen in the United States Air Force. I adore three year olds……a rock and flower are still beautiful things………It is a busy, challenging, overwhelming, satisfying, etc…. time……….but I can now look back and treasure it even more….with a bittersweet heart. Having the love of a son is a glorious thing…..Having the love of 2??? Blessed beyond measure 🙂
This is great! My little man is just about to turn 2, so it’s an insight into what’s coming. I already see a lot of these in him, and can see how another year will bring both more challenges and more joys.
Enjoy it while you can, they will soon be 13!! and you will want the 3s back lol.
As a fellow mom to a three year old boy, Iry can totally relate to everything! I am so glad that I am not the only one who has underwear thrown at me/on me! Connor is pretty good about only throwing balls…but apparently, there is something about throwing underwear! I am enjoying being a mommy to a boy, and I know you are too! We may even end up sitting at the ballfield together! 🙂
I am currently mothering my second three year old boy. Last night he was kissing his daddy and I goodnight. My husband said, “I love you buddy.” Shiloh pulled his face back, looked his daddy in the eyes and said, “Thank you for saying that.” It’s amazing how much they can love, even in their craziness. And it’s amazing how much they appreciate knowing they are loved.
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Great! I could relate to so many of these as well, with my own 3 year old boy. This year has definitely been harder than 2! I thought this might be a good time to share one of those embarrassing (but funny) “boy” things. My husband brought home a cardboard tube for him to play with one evening and the next day, my boy discovered that if he stuck it between his legs, it was like he had a giant… you know. He was waving it around, declaring gleefully, “Mommy, look at my big pee-pee!!” Please, please know that NO ONE in his life taught him this. Oh my. 🙂 I tried to respond with as little enthusiasm as possible (not difficult!) 🙂
Oh the tales a mom of boys can tell. My son is 18 and it was so difficult to know at first what to do, how to do, and so forth. I say to everyone I know who has girls, I’m so glad I had a boy. Boy’s love their mama’s and are so sweet. Even at 18 my boy still will kiss and hug his mama in front of his friends.
Your post sounds exactly like my life with Levi. He turned 4 in April. I also didn’t really realize the relationship between a mother and was so close. I still rock him to sleep and will as long as he will let me. I will tell you this: hold on because 4 can be worse than 3.
oh girl, you are in for such a treat raising boys! I have two boys that are now 14 and 15 and believe it or not, they still let me hug on them (in the privacy of our house of course!).
my daughter is a daddy’s girl but those boys are ALL MINE 🙂
Thank you Myra! As a Mama of a five year old boy and a four year old boy I found myself nodding and laughing through this post! I love it! I’m thinking of writing one for each of my three kids to use in a scrapbook page – how fun to remember this stage of life with your unique three year old little man! I love hearing my men sing the Truth as well 🙂
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My daughter is on the verge of being 3, I’m a little scared – HA! I will probably jinx myself but 2 was kind of easy, all in all. I know there was moments of difficulty but I do look back on the year and think it was a fun year. I’ve heard that the terrible 3’s are the new terrible 2’s. Praying for us all ;)!
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Ah, yes,,,, 3!! When my son was 3 (he is now 33), I was Sunday School Superintendent. I wrote a piece for our church newsletter over the Christmas season. In it I wondered if Mary ever had “days” with the little boy, Jesus, at age 3. Did she ever sigh over things he did? Did she ever wait anxiously for Joseph to come home so she could have just a few minutes alone? Many other young moms thanked me for what I wrote, because during church services, or when quietly reading the Bible….. they sometimes wondered the same things. I think if you entered a room with 100 women who had raised little boys…. even if those women were from 100 different countries or regions of the world…. and you began to talk about 3 year olds, we would all nod our heads knowing, even without words, what that entailed. The days go by slowly sometimes,,, but the years truly fly by!!
Wonderful/insightful post. Wish I had read it 16 years ago-lol.
I have been bleesed with 3 amazing boys!
eko
blessed to -heh
Ahhh, I have been blessed with a boy who turned 3 in April, after raising 2 daughters (18 & 11), he was an unexpected surprise but loved like no other. I can’t tell you how many times I fought to keep a straight face (unsucessfully) when I was shot with a tube of toothpaste and have had everything thrown at me. It was such a joy reading your posts and comments. Honestly, I was a bit nervous about having a boy after my girls but it’s been a fun and wild ride so far. Thanks for the wonderful post!
I love this!! 🙂
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Yes I raised 3 wonderful boys that are Adult Men now and have families of their own.
Little boys are so sweet and they have a special bond with Mommy and that never changes they still kiss and hug me when ever they arrive and when they leave.
I treasured having little boys and they take such good care of their mamma’s!
I now have two granddaughters and a grandson “so far “:))
Enjoy them they sure grow up fast!
Amen x 9!!!!!!! My little guy is 5 now, and I can relate to every single point you made. Little boys are AMAZING and I am SOOOO thankful every day that God saw fit to bless us with him.
*too!* (wow, having a grammar challenged day. ;))
He’s adorable! I agree with every single thing (if I can remember back to when my son was 3). Fantastic photos.
~FringeGirl
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As the mother of two grown boys, 28 and 25, you will find that the boys are the hardest always love their momma’s. Mine still call me everyday!
My doctor told me that the odd years are the most challenging. I found this to be true since our boys were exactly three years apart.
Enjoy!!!
Ha! I’ve mothered 3 – count ’em 3! – boys. Not all at once, mind you. Now they are 12, 10 (in 2 weeks!), & 5. In our house that was the first difficult age. I was worried about 2 but it was a cakewalk compared to 3. I started to call it the terrible 2’s & the gruesome 3’s. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have found that 4 more than makes up for anything that the 3’s throw at you.
Good to know. My little guy is 7 mo but I know he’ll be 3 before I know it 🙂 Very sweet post!
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I have a 5 1/2 year old son and an almost 3 year old girl. Three is harder than 2 in so many ways (for both of them) but I am totally surprised by how much harder 4 and 5 have been! A lot of the time it is easier because it is not such constant redirection and there is a lot more independence plus the ability to truly help around the house with things like setting the table but when those moods set it oh my! I do treasure both of my kids at the ages they are because this time with them is so precious and judging by how quickly the last 5 years have gone it is going to feel like a blink of the eye and they will be out of the house.
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Yes! One already & another already in this stage at not yet 3! I love this. I agree wholeheartedly. Love your site too!
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Myra it was sooooooo great to meet you today at Haven (I sat behind you at Miss Mustard Seed). I have 2 little boys and one little girl. The age 3 was wayyyyyyyy harder with each of them than being 2 year was. I recently was a guest blogger about being a “boy mom”. If you want, you could read it here: http://www.chicagonow.com/portrait-of-an-adoption/2012/06/neither-a-girl-mom-nor-a-boy-mom-guest-post-by-jennifer-allwood
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What a sweet post. I well remember the threes and for me, the half years were worse than the whole years (i.e., 18 months, 2 1/2, 3 1/2). Cherish this time though as it will fly by. My older son just graduated from high school and my younger is finishing middle school. Love my boys!!
My son is 3 and this year has been by far the most challenging of motherhood for me. On the other hand, it has also been splendid and oh, so precious. Just when I think I will explode with frustration, my little man will look at me with his big brown eyes telling me that his baby sister is his “little sweetie pie” and how much he loves it when we’re “all together as a family.” Then my heart melts and I try to save those memories for the next time I want to tear my hair out 🙂 It has been a difficult year, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Thank God for 3-year-old boys!
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I’ve mothered two 3 year old boys. 🙂 (they are now 4 & 7) age three was most definitely the toughest for our first born – i concluded it was mostly due to the fact he began to find his reasoning voice and questioned e v e r y t h i n g. Impulsive behavior is still VERY much in full force and I found age 6 to be the era of ‘the sillies’ 🙂
In truth I think each and every age has it’s own set of charms and challenges.
I always thought I’d be a momma to a slew of girls – though I can clearly see God’s sense of humor in giving me all boys as I was completely ‘boy crazy’ as an adolescent. 😉
What fun! Just remembering fishing rocks out of the bottom of the washing machine when my son was little…seems like only yesterday, but he’s now 22!
yes, and very fun times…4 is even more fun…still little enough to want a cuddle and s0 much imagination…nothing better then mom to boys….and mine our now 37 and 35…I have been blessed with 2 grandsons and one granddaughter….and my 4yr old grandson,,,is the master dragon trainer….enjoy everyone of those easy hugs…
My three year old, soon to be 4 year old boy is exactly as you describe. He’s wild, rambunctious, but loves his momma oh so much. He loves to snuggle, loves chocolate milk, and gives the best kisses.