25 Things You Need to Know about Raising Preschool Boys

Are you raising preschool boys?

If so, you’re probably used to a great deal of activity. We’ve compiled some of our favorite/most memorable attributes of life raising preschool boys….

25 Things You Need to Know About Raising Preschool Boys

1. They are active, really really active. Like dig-a-hole, take-a-hike, explore-a-bug, color-a-picture-before-8:00am active.
2. They are fascinated by anything that moves: construction equipment, tools, lizards, dogs, their fingers… literally anything
3. They love/need to wrestle.
4. They are masters of climbing, having learned it well before preschool.
5. There will be a trail of dirt from their shoes and clothes in your home or school. It will be there all the time no matter how much you sweep, vacuum or wipe. Don’t stress over it.
6. They love to cuddle and read with you.
7. They can turn anything into a moving toy. (My son turned two forks into a train by linking the tines together. He did this at a wedding for a good half hour).
8. They like to make sound effects, voluntary or otherwise.
9. They still sometimes resort to primal responses when upset: hitting, kicking, biting, etc.
10. They “self explore” fairly often, as they have since a very early age.
11. They are always watching the examples of the grown-ups around them, particularly the male grown-ups.
12. If they are potty trained, they’ll try “pottying” in other places too: trees, weeds, behind large rocks….behind the couch…
13. Your backyard might have a few more holes in it from endless digging.
14. Do not be alarmed when you get worm goo on your shirt. It comes out in the laundry.
15. They want to know they are safe, looking for comfort from the grown-ups around them.
16. Independence is important. Preschool boys need a lot of opportunities to practice their autonomy: getting dressed, brushing teeth, setting the table, etc.
17. They get the biggest kick out of making discoveries.
18. Releasing energy is an essential part of every day.
19. They are scared of and fascinated by dinosaurs all at once.
20. They like opportunities to make decisions: what to eat for snack, which park to play, which shirt to wear.
21. Your bathroom will smell of urine as soon as you begin potty training until they master their “aim.”
22. They love when you play with them, especially when it involves pretending, trucks, and dirt.
23. They will try to get your attention, in positive and negative ways, but remember that they need to hear that you love them either way.
24. Sometimes you can catch them singing and talking while playing.
25. While they are extremely active, they are still figuring out how to make all their moving parts work together. Skills like kicking and throwing a ball are emerging.

 

At the end of the day, after all of this activity calms down and your little guys just want you to keep them safe.

His fingers may be covered in dirt and lizard slime, but embrace his preschool-sized hugs because these days are fleeting.

 

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